The latest ECMWF forecast charts show an expanding plume of exceptionally warm air spreading across southern, eastern and central England between Monday and Tuesday, with widespread temperatures above 30C and some hotspots potentially reaching the mid 30s.
The deepest shades of red are focused across the South East, East Anglia and parts of the East Midlands, while Scotland, Northern Ireland and much of western Britain remain considerably cooler.
Counties most likely to exceed 30C
Based on the latest forecast maps, temperatures of 30C or above are most likely across:
According to the Met Office, unsettled conditions in the northwest will gradually give way to a more settled pattern across much of the UK as high pressure begins to build from the south. While some areas may see outbreaks of rain and cloud initially, brighter and drier weather is expected to become increasingly widespread.
Forecasters say temperatures will steadily rise through the latter part of the weekend and into next week, with prolonged sunny spells developing in many areas. The warmest conditions are expected across southern and eastern England, where temperatures are forecast to climb well above the June average and could reach the low to mid-30s, with some hotspots potentially higher if current projections verify.