Britain is set to bake this weekend amid hopes a mini-heatwave could send temperatures hurtling past 30C – making it hotter than parts of South Africa and Brazil.
As millions of families embark on their summer getaways, temperatures are set to climb to 27C on ‘Frantic Friday’, when more than 3 million cars are set to hit the roads.
The best of the warm weather is still to come, and after some light showers on Saturday, many can expect sunny spells and dry conditions across large swathes of the UK.
But Sunday could see the hottest day of the year so far, as sunseekers hope the mercury sizzles above the 31.9C recorded in St James’s Park on July 19.
It comes after a disappointing start to July, where the wet and chilly start has barely materialised into the Great British summer many had pinned their hopes on.
LONDON: A man basks in the sun while covering his head with a t-shirt earlier this month
DORSET: Sunbathers make the most of the sunshine on Weymouth beach
The good weather will continue into next week, with the Met Office predicting highs of 29C on Monday.
The hotter spells are thanks to an Iberian plume which is pushing a warm weather front from Europe, where temperatures have been as high as 40C this summer.
The south-eastern areas of the country will experience the hottest weather, but most regions are expected to reap the benefits of the high pressure front.
Looking ahead, Britons can expect a much drier August with the Met Office predicting a ‘warmer than average’ period from August 7 to August 21.
London and the surrounding areas could see temperatures as high as 31C (89) on August 8.
Warm weather is expected to hit Britain this weekend. Pictured: Boaters punt on the River Cam in Cambridge
The UK is set for a mini-heatwave this weekend with temperatures hitting the mid-20s
Walkers wearing jackets and holding umbrellas during heavy rain at West Bay in Dorset on July 25
A woman uses a paper bag to shelter from the rain while walking on the Strand in London on July 25
The warm weather will be a welcome relief after what has been a wet and shivery July for most of Britain.
The average temperature in June sat at 12.9C (55F) and the country has experienced cooler temperatures in July, which has brought its own challenges.
On Wednesday, a marooned hiker in Wales had to call mountain rescue after getting hypothermia.
The group of walkers were attempting to walk the 15 Peaks until one of the members began to show signs of hypothermia.
After struggling to find the path down and knowing they were at risk of straying onto the cliffs, the group stopped in the summit shelter to wait for Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation who could safely bring them down.
The group set off at 3AM to complete 15 peaks until one began exhibiting signs of hypothermia
After confirming their location with the group was brought food and warm clothing
The mountain rescuers urged people to check the weather before setting out and if they are properly equipped for all possible conditions.
A spokesman for Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation said this was ‘especially important for long challenges, checking the weather will help you prepare properly for a trip in the mountains.’
Those in the area couldn’t believe the summer weather as local David Humphries recalling a recent fishing trip near the Crimea Pass where he ‘left in July, arrived in April and arrived back home in July.’
