Brits are set for a two-day heatwave as the Met Office has issued a heat alert for "dangerous" 34C weather.
The Met Office has issued a 'heat health alert', warning large swathes of England to be prepared as temperatures are set to rocket so high they could set a record for the hottest day in June since records began.
Parts of the South East, South and London could reach temperatures hotter than Portugal, Jamaica, Costa Rica, the Canary Islands and Cyprus.
Friday especially is set to be a scorcher and expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, eclipsing by some way the 27.5C set in mid-May.
It could even be the hottest June day for the UK since records began, if temperatures top the 35.6C recorded in Southampton in 1976.
This marks the first Level 2 alert of the year and will last from midnight on Thursday 16 June until midnight on Saturday 18 June.
The warning applies to the East Midlands, East of England, Southeast and Southwest, with the rest of the country on Level 1.
In the face of such high temperatures, the Met Office cautioned Brits to take care, they said: "Hot weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease."
They said anyone who needed guidance or advice should visit the Heatwave Plan for England, ring 111, or talk to their GP.
However, on the back of scorching sun, the Met Office said there's a chance it could be followed by rain and even thundery showers.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “High temperatures are expected in some parts of the Midlands and the south on Friday.
"We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather safely when it arrives and be aware of good health advice for coping with warmer conditions.
“During periods of hot weather, it is especially important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions.
"Make sure to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat.’’
Dan Rudman, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures will continue to rise as we go through the week, becoming well above-average by Friday, when many parts of the southern half of the UK are likely to exceed 30°C or even reach 34°C in some places.
“This is the first spell of hot weather this year and it is unusual for temperature to exceed these values in June. Many areas will also see some warm nights with minimum temperatures expected to be in the high teens or even low 20s for some overnight.’’
However, following on from the heat, the Met Office warned "a cold front will move slowly southeastwards across the country overnight Friday into Saturday. This is likely to bring rain or thundery showers."
So whilst Brits are advised to stock up on the sun cream, they might also think about putting in an umbrella in the car just in case.
The heat has been pushed up from the north African desert into Europe, bringing sweltering conditions to Spain and France.
The Spanish meteorological agency last week issued warnings of “extreme” temperatures of 40C plus in some places.
Meanwhile, those with hay fever have been advised to be wary of very high pollen levels for much of England and Wales throughout the week, while low to moderate counts are expected across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Met Office said: "It is peak grass pollen season so hay fever sufferers may need to take precautions."
Met Office top tips to stay safe in the heat:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
- Take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
