High pressure is now sitting to the east of the British Isles and this is helping to draw up increasingly warm and humid air from the south. Indeed, much of France and Spain have been very warm during the last couple of weeks, allowing the heat to build up ahead of its extension northwards towards Britain and Ireland this week.

It's a warm start to the day, with temperatures in some southern regions already starting off in the low twenties and this sets us up for an increasingly hot day. There are a few showers affecting the far north of Scotland first thing this morning, with the last of the overnight showers now clearing southeast England, but for much of the country it is a fine start and it will be a fine day with plenty of sunshine. That sunshine may turn hazy at times, but it won't stop temperatures from soaring. Maximum values today will range from 22°C to 26°C across Scotland and Northern Ireland, 24°C to 28°C over Ireland, and highs of 30°C to 33°C for many parts of England and Wales. However, across central parts of England temperatures could reach around 36°C, potentially setting a new June record. Winds will be light too, so for some relief from the heat, head for the coast where sea breezes will develop.

After a fine and hot evening, temperatures will only slowly fall tonight with values across many central and southern regions holding up in the low twenties, making for a rather uncomfortable night for sleeping. This takes us into another generally fine day tomorrow with temperatures perhaps rising even higher and highs of 37°C or 38°C possible across parts of central and southern England, accompanied by very high UV levels.

METEOROLOGIST : BARBER