Britain Could See Longest Heatwave In Four Years Starting From Today

The mercury is set to rise across the country today, with the Met Office predicting warmer weather than usual for most.

But rest assured, the majority of the British Isles will see their fair share of sun over the coming days.

According to meteorologists, temperatures are set to hit 29C in the south of England, while things are a bit cooler – but still warm – in northern parts, with 23C predicted for the north west and 27C for Yorkshire.

Over in Northern Ireland it could get to around 20C and up in the further reaches of Scotland it's expected to range from 13C to 22C.

The Met Office said: "We’re at the start of a stretch of warm weather for much of England and Wales, that could last for much of next week.

"In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend, and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week.

"Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny."

So it looks like there will be plenty of chances to whip the barbecue out or enjoy a few hours in the beer garden over the weekend.

And if it continues for 12 days in a row, it will be longest heatwave in four years.

A spokesperson for the Met Office went on: "Heatwave criteria requires an area to meet their regional heatwave temperature on three consecutive days. This temperature is between 25C to 28C. 

"Many of us can expect a warm and dry spell for the rest of the weekend and into the start of next week. 

"However, the areas that will meet ‘heatwave’ criteria will likely be a bit more limited.

"Where the heatwave threshold temperature is 25C across parts of south Wales and the southwest of England there is a good chance of heatwave criteria being met from Friday onwards.

"For other areas of the UK, such as the southeast, it will be much more marginal, due to the heatwave threshold temperature being higher."

Some experts even think there's a chance it could get hotter next week.

Deputy chief meteorologist David Oliver explained: "There are some runs, or solutions, that allow more extreme temperatures to develop into next weekend, which is something we will be monitoring closely over the coming days and adding more detail around into the new week."