Record highs herald start of heatwave

has been triggered by a rare roast from Russia.

And this is just the start of a three-month heatwave.

Forecasters say we are set for higher than average temperatures throughout June to August.

Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said he believed the summer would be one to remember. He said: “This summer could be the warmest for five years. 31C could be seen from next month. Warm air is due from continental Europe.

“As recent summers have been so mixed, this one has a high chance of being the warmest since 2013.”

A Met Office forecast reads: “For May-July, above-average temperatures are more probable than below-average temperatures.”

If the mercury is pushed over the record 29C set in 1976 at Waddon, south London, today will be the hottest May 7 since records began in 1841.

Today could also be hotter than the entire early May bank holiday weekend’s 28.6C record temperature set in 1978.

Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “It will certainly be the warmest early May bank holiday on record, with 28C possible in the south east.

“There will be plenty of sunshine for most, with good conditions for outdoor activities.

“Tuesday has 28C possible again, with the low 20s from Wednesday and fine weather in days ahead.”