UK weather: Heatwave to bring 30C temperatures and 'widespread sunshine for several days'

Mercury 'to climb higher every day,' says forecaster

Britain is set to enjoy a heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 30C – making it as hot as southern Spain.

The mercury is expected to climb higher every day until Wednesday, which forecasters say could be the hottest day of the year.

Nicola Maxey, from the Met Office, told The Independent the weather was set to be warm and dry, with almost no exception over the next week.

Temperatures will rise “a degree or two each day”, she said, adding that ”by the weekend we’re looking at temperatures in the low 20s, mid 20s”.

Saturday will see highs of 24C and Sunday will enjoy highs of 25C in the southeast and London.

“By the middle of the week there is a real possibility of some places reaching the 30s, such as Birmingham, Liverpool and Bristol,” she said.

The average for this time of year is about 21C in London, 18C in Manchester and 17C in Scotland.

If Britain does hit 30C, it will be as hot as Gibraltar and parts of southern Spain, such as Marbella.

The warm spell will also bring high pollen counts, which can trouble hay fever sufferers.

Strong UV rays from the sun, which increase the risk of sunburn, are also forecast.

During such hot weather, the Public Health Agency advises people to seek shade, wear a hat and use at least a factor 15 sun cream with four-star UVA protection.

Additional reporting by Press Association