Summer finally arrives as Britain basks in scorching sun and soaring temperatures

Weeks of downpours will be replaced by scorching weather in England and Wales today, as forecasters predict temperatures could reach 30C.

The outlook is good news for organisers of the London Olympics, as the hot and dry conditions are set to remain for Friday's opening ceremony.

Helen Rossington, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "It's probably going to get to 30C today in the London area.

"A lot of places in England and Wales will be in the mid to high 20s."

But Northern Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland will be cloudy with possible rain.

Ms Rossington added: "Tomorrow is looking fairly similar in the South where we could get temperatures of 29C or 30C again.

"There is a risk the heat and humidity could trigger sharp showers in the Midlands and Wales though.

"It's likely that it will be dry for the opening ceremony but there's a small chance of a shower."

But as sun lovers rejoice, rail commuters despair, with some Greater Anglia services hit by the hot weather.

The train operating company implemented speed restrictions and cancellations as older sections of overhead lines can expand and sag in high temperatures.

Some passengers travelling from London Liverpool Street during tonight's rush hour will be affected.

PA