UK weather forecast: Three-day heatwave to start the week with temperatures soaring over 30C

It's been a disappointing to start to the British summer with rain, clouds, and - unbelievably - a tornado hitting parts of Hale and Altrincham last week.

While the rain is set to continue, with a yellow weather warning today from the Met Office for heavy rain in Scotland, things are definitely brightening up.

Once the weather front passes over later today, Britain is expected to bask in temperatures above 30C for three days straight this week, with highs of 35C in the south.

But this hot and humid weather then leaves a risk for thundery showers toward the second half of the week, so if you're currently packing to head out on a staycation this week, don't forget to pack your waterproofs.

Met Office national morning forecast for July 22

What's the forecast for Greater Manchester?

With a generally cloudy start to Monday in Greater Manchester, the sun will break through toward late afternoon with a peak of 25C at 4pm.

Monday's weather forecast (www.weatheronline.co.uk)

Expect some hot and stuffy nights this week (www.weatheronline.co.uk)

On Tuesday (July 23), the sun will be out shining in full force by midday, where temperatures could gradually peak to 30C.

This will continue into the evening with an exceptionally warm summer's night with temperatures remaining as high as 27C at 9pm.

Greater Manchester will soar to 30C on Tuesday (www.weatheronline.co.uk)

It will be another hot day across the UK on Wednesday, but slightly cooler for Greater Manchester with clouds changing to sunny intervals by late morning.

The hot weather then brings a risk of thundery showers for Thursday.

The Met Office's five-day forecast for the UK is as follows:

Today:

A cloudy start with rain in northern areas. Rain becoming confined to western Scotland through the morning. Dry elsewhere with sunny spells, but cloudier around western coasts and hills. Very warm and humid for many. Breezy in the north.

Tonight:

Outbreaks of rain in northwest Scotland and some drizzle along Irish Sea coasts, but largely dry elsewhere. Low cloud and fog developing across southern areas.

Tuesday:

Low cloud and fog clearing to allow plenty of sunshine across England and Wales. Cloudier in the far northwest. Very warm for many, hot and humid in the south.

Wednesday's weather cools down slightly (www.weatheronline.co.uk)

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Sunshine at first but with the risk of isolated thunderstorms. Hot and humid for many. Showery rain will spread eastwards later in the week, introducing fresher conditions from the west.

The Met Office speculate that temperature records could be broken in the UK this week, and again for across Europe.