UK heatwave: Map shows how 40C scorcher is travelling across Europe

Britain is about to bake like many other parts of Europe with temperatures set to soar again next week.

July seems certain to get off to a sizzling start as the 40C scorcher currently frying sweltering Italians arrives in the UK.

Eight days of sunshine in the coming weeks is on the cards meaning a red hot second week of tennis at Wimbledon.

Met Office weather maps show the jet stream driving hot continental air across from southern Europe.

Italy declared an emergency and implemented an urgent drought plan just last week as Lake Como began drying out in places.

Some really hot weather is coming - and it could stick around for seven days (Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS.com)

The early part of next week will be very warm in the UK, with many places seeing 27C heat.

But by Thursday, the mercury is expected to hit 32C in some places - and in Essex, Kent and Sussex, 30C highs will stick around into Friday, July 8 too.

Weather forecasters believe the weather could reach "well into the high 30s" and could last several days.

Cooler air will be in place through Saturday and lasting to Sunday.

Italy has just seen 40C temperatures as the searing heatwave bakes Europe (Met Office)

But things will change and from Monday we will begin to see temperatures really climb.

It comes as two heatwaves are predicted to hit the UK in August and possibly even September as more warm weather sweeps in from Europe.

Weather forecasters believe temperatures could reach "well into the high 30s" in the coming days.

Leon Brown of forecaster The Weather Company said: "More heatwaves imported from the continent to the UK are forecast this summer.

Brits will be able to resume sunbathing after a more mild week across the UK (Dinendra Haria/WENN)

"Each are reaching at least 28C - and likely higher - and each lasting several days."

British Weather Services' Jim Dale told Express.co.uk “The situation will be improving on Sunday (July 3) and warming up again into the following week with high temperatures of 30C in south east England based on current trends.”

There is an east-west split in conditions through the end of June, and the west is more likely to experience rain.

It will be heavy at times and the east more likely to remain drier, although there is a chance of some showers here at times.

The Met Office’s long range forecast for the remainder of the month said: “There is a good chance of more settled conditions prevailing through the middle and later parts of July, although some northern areas may see spells of rain or showers at times, especially early in the period.

“These spells could extend across the country at times, but in general the south will see the best of the settled conditions."