Many people will be making the most of the July heatwave this weekend and into the week and they flocked to Merseyside beauty spots.
Families have been spending more time outdoors in some of the area's most iconic places, including Crosby beach to enjoy the gorgeous sunshine. Pictures captured by the ECHO show dozens of cars lined up and people queuing up to get an ice cream or lounging in the sun, and it is a perfect day for it as temperatures are set to reach 20C today.
The Met Office has also predicted temperatures to rise as we head later into the week, with a long awaited heatwave. But how long will the sunny spells last this time?
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The Met Office defines a heatwave as when a location records a period for at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.
According to the Met Office, high pressure continues to dominate the UK over the coming days, prolonging the warm spell for many. Some parts of the UK could see temperatures rise about 30C as a heat alert was issued.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Oliver said: "We’re at the start of a stretch of warm weather for much of England and Wales, that could last for much of next week. In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend, and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week. Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny."
However, parts of Merseyside could see more clouds return on Wednesday and Thursday, with some odd spots of rain expected. According to the UK long range weather forecast, from July 14 to July 23, it will remain warn with sunny spells across the UK.
The forecast reads: "Over the weekend and early the following week, a good deal of fine weather is expected, especially in the south, but with a continuing risk of showers in the far north. Temperatures are likely to rise again and are likely to become warm across most areas.
"There is also the potential for some very hot conditions to develop in parts of the south for a time. Later, more unsettled and cooler conditions will probably develop with some heavy and thundery rain at times."
However, the outlook into early August appears to be more promising as it states: "England and Wales may see some very warm or even hot periods."
But in the meantime, people across Merseyside are enjoying their local beauty spots on beaches and parks. The UK previously experienced a heatwave three weeks ago, with June 17 marking the hottest day of the year so far.
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