People have flocked to the beach at the first glimpse of sunshine, as pictured here in Bournemouth on Saturday (Picture: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
The UK is sizzling in genuinely hot and sunny weather for the first time this year – but as with all good things, the heatwave must come to an end.
Highs of 29°C will scorch London and the south east in the next few days, while the rest of Britain can expect temperatures between 22°C and 27°C.
In contrast to the grim weather so far this year, Met Office forecasters predicted sustained warm conditions could see some parts of central and southern England hit official heatwave levels.
Dan Rudman, the Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist said: ‘Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the beginning to middle of next week, it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds.
‘However, whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year.’
People across the country have already been flocking to the beach to make the most of it.
All sounds great, right? Well it is. But enjoy the summer vibes while they last because the heatwave is set to come crashing to an end imminently.
When will the UK heatwave end?
The UK is basking in glorious sunshine, but when will it end? (Picture: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)
Blue skies, sunglasses and sunscreen will soon be replaced by a return of heavy rain, anoraks and umbrellas.
The Met Office has said to expect widespread downpours on Wednesday, June 26.
Looking ahead to next week, a spokesman said: ‘Although temperatures could reach a peak on Wednesday, it also looks like we may see the breakdown of this high-pressure from Tuesday night into Wednesday as things turn more unsettled.
‘With this breakdown, there is also the chance of some heavy showers or thunderstorms in places, with the most persistent rain likely in the west or south west.’
Thunderstorms could bring the heatwave to a crashing end, the Met Office has warned (Picture: PA)
Don’t pack your brollies and raincoats away just yet (Picture: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)
Mr Rudman added: ‘Confidence in the forecast reduces markedly from Wednesday onwards, with uncertainty in both how long the heat will last and how it will break down, which we will be keeping an eye on for the coming days.
‘However, by next weekend, cooler, changeable conditions become more likely.’
So enjoy this week, folks – or maybe not if you suffer with hayfever, thanks to the ‘pollen bomb’ affecting most of the country.
And don’t forget your wellies if you’re heading to Glasto.
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