UK hot weather: Exact moment 35C Spain heatwave reaches Britain turning maps dark red

Brand new weather maps have revealed when the UK will be struck by a 35C Iberian blast that will send temperatures soaring.

The weather maps from WXCharts suggest that as Spain and other parts of Europe bask in 35C heat today Britain will also see rising temperatures around or above 25C.

The highest temperatures will be in the south and southeast of England with places such as London, Swindon, Reading and Crawley seeing temperatures as high as 25C.

However, in the north, the mercury drops by a couple of degrees around Birmingham and Manchester.

Towards England’s coasts in places such as Cornwall, Wales, the northeast and northwest of England, temperatures also fall slightly to around 20C or as low as 18C in very coastal areas.

In Scotland, the weather maps suggest that temperatures will be around 11C to 21C at their peak around cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Carlisle.

The return to broadly dry and warm weather comes after an unsettled meteorological start to the summer for the UK which was marked by overcast skies and rain. This week, the Met Office has warned that temperatures will continue to rise but that there is still the chance of some showers.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office Mark Sidaway warned: “Although we are expecting to see some very warm temperatures this week, it may not be the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies people are expecting as there is likely to be some cloud around in places.

“Some areas, mainly central and eastern England, will see temperatures which exceed the heatwave criteria. To be officially recognised as a ‘heatwave’ though, the temperature must be reached for three consecutive days.”

Mr Sidaway added: “Although we are looking to enjoy some nice warm temperatures, the weather this week does not look particularly exceptional or extreme.”

While the temperatures this week are much higher than they were at the start of the month, they are low compared to the temperatures some parts of Europe are facing with many parts of Europe seeing heatwave conditions much earlier than they expected.

The temperatures are so high that British tourists have been warned ahead of potential journeys to Europe. The Red Cross’s William Spencer said: “We would advise people to plan ahead for the effects of heat on their trip, making sure they know how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“They should also avoid activities in the middle of the day when temperatures are highest. Other safety tips include wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and drinking less alcohol. You can also help keep wherever you’re staying cool by keeping blinds and windows closed during the hottest parts of the day.”

Met Office 5-Day forecast: Tuesday June 25th - Saturday June 29

Today:

Morning low cloud will quickly clear to leave a fine day for most, with plenty of warm sunshine. Scattered showers developing across the north of the UK, some heavy with the risk of thunder, mainly for eastern Scotland.

Tonight:

Showers gradually easeing across the north of the UK through the evening and overnight. Dry elsewhere, with lengthy clear spells. Some mist patches reform later. A warm night for many

Wednesday:

Dry for most, with plenty of sunshine. Cloudier across eastern Scotland and northeast England with some showers. Feeling very warm or hot in the sunshine, cooler around the coasts.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Some rain moving southeastwards through Thursday. Hot in the southeast, but temperatures are nearer to average elsewhere. Dry and sunny weather Friday and into Saturday but blustery showers for Scotland.