Brits could be set for scorching temperatures over the coming days with the mercury hitting 30C and the heatwave is expected to run into next week where it could climb to the mid-30Cs.
After a cloudy start to the week, the sun is finally going to come out today for many parts of the UK with highs of 25C.
A high pressure system has moved over the country and while there could still be some cloud, and showers for Scotland, in the morning it will brighten up as the day goes on.
Then by the weekend the temperatures could be touching 30C as the hot weather settles in and could lead to it hitting 35C by mid-July.
"So far the weather story this week has been dominated by a lot of low grey cloud for many, yes at times it has felt warm but just take a look at Suffolk yesterday and it was a fairly typical story right across the country," said BBC weather forecaster Louise Lear.
"The clouds were widespread, this was the satellite picture from Wednesday and in fact there was some early morning rain in Scotland, that cleared away and a brisk north westerly wind dominated here.
"But over the next few days it looks likely we are going to see more sunshine and more heat developing perhaps into next week it is going to get a bit too hot for some of you."
She continued: "We will start the day on Thursday for many on another cloudy grey note, early morning sunshine in eastern Scotland and eventually the cloud will melt away and the sunshine will really start to build.
"The only exception is for a little bit more cloud running in off the north west of Scotland and temperatures perhaps here only in the mid teens. The highest temperatures on Thursday afternoon 25C."
Then looking to Friday, Ms Lear said it will be a milder start to the day before a “dry, settled, sunny day in prospect” with highs of 28C in the south east of the country.
Over the weekend the heat is set to continue while WX Charts show that temperatures will be around 35C by mid-July.
"And that trend continues through the weekend and into next week in fact the heatwave could be here to stay with temperatures widely into the low 30Cs it could be too hot for some," added Ms Lear.
UK forecast for the next 5 days
Most areas dry with sunny spells. Cloudier in the northwest.
Today:
Most areas will be fine and dry with long sunny spells developing after a rather cloudy start. Remaining cloudier in the far northwest with a little patchy rain and drizzle. Feeling very warm in the sunshine.
Tonight:
It will remain dry and fine with long clear spells for many. Cloudier at times for some western and especially northwestern parts where a little patchy rain is possible.
Friday:
Another dry and sunny day for many, although cooler and cloudier in the northwest, perhaps with a little patchy rain. Warm or very warm locally hot in the south.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Mostly fine and dry and very warm with sunny spells, perhaps hot in the south. Cloudier, breezier and cooler with some rain at times in the far north.
