UK weather: Hottest September day for 50 years expected as Britain set for three-day heatwave

Temperatures set to hit up to 32C - the highest in September since 1961

A three-day heatwave beginning on Monday, will treat Britons to balmy temperatures (Getty)

Britain is expected to bask in a three-day heatwave, with the country's hottest September day for more than 50 years expected.

Temperatures are due to peak at between 30C and 32C in some areas on Tuesday, with the balmy weather set to begin on Monday

"A southern air flow will bring warmer air to the UK," a Met Office spokeswoman told The Independent. "Temperatures will rise markedly, turning hot in some eastern areas by Tuesday."

Monday promises to be bright for the majority of the country with temperatures in London and the South-east expected to rise to around 25C.

Northern Ireland and Scotland, however, will experience some heavy showers, which may become thundery. Hot and humid conditions will be felt across the country.

"Tuesday will be nice and sunny for much of the country," the spokeswoman said.

The heatwave will be felt most in London and south east where temperatures are set to rise to 30C – the highest for a decade with 30C temperatures last recorded in September in 2006.

If the mercury rises above 31.6C, which was reached at Gatwick on 2 September 1961, it will be the hottest September day for 55 years.

On Wednesday, temperatures will remain in the mid-20s and conditions promise to be humid and muggy with outbreaks of thundery showers promised.

The mini-heatwave will put temperatures around 10C warmer than the average for September, the Met Office said.

However, they will fall short of the hottest September day ever recorded, which stands at 35.6C on 2 September 1906 in Gravesend, Kent.

Thursday will mark an end to the summery conditions with temperatures dipping back down to 20C and fresher, showery weather continuing for the rest of the week.