Finally, first heatwave of summer

A HEATWAVE is tipped to sweep in as the rainclouds finally part and the country launches into a proper summer with the hottest weather of the year so far.

- David Pilditch

Temperatures are set to soar as high as 30C, which could prove hotter than the Spanish Costas and put the Algarve in the shade.

The Met Office defines a heatwave as an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year.

A grey start to the weekend, with showers expected in places today, will make way for brighter conditions tomorrow and then take off from there.

Large parts of the country including Scotland and the west coast will be able to relax into a balmy 24C from Monday to Wednesday.

That will edge up to 27C in central and northern England, and up to a sizzling 30C in the south east.

The Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist Dan Rudman said: "Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions.