UK hot weather maps show exact date of 48-hour surge with 27C Iberian blast

The UK is set to be hit by an intense surge in temperatures, with hot weather maps indicating a 48-hour heatwave driven by an Iberian blast.

Britain has experienced mixed weather over the past couple of weeks, from scorching temperatures down to much cooler conditions this week.

But the latest weather maps from Netweather for July 18 show temperatures could jump to highs of 27C in the south, and 24C in many surrounding areas, and 22C around the Midlands.

The sudden heat surge is forecast to continue on July 19, with highs of 25C near London, 24C in northeastern areas and 22C around the Midlands and North West.

This short-lived heatwave is expected to break through a predominantly unsettled weather pattern, providing a welcome respite of summer warmth.

On Friday, southern counties of England will remain cloudy with intermittent rain, which will move northwards through the evening, according to the Met Office.

Elsewhere, the weather will be brighter with sunshine and scattered showers as winds ease.

The outlook for Saturday to Monday sees the rain clearing at the start of the weekend, followed by sunshine and showers. Further showers are expected on Sunday, with more rain moving in from the Atlantic on Monday.

Although it will remain cool, it will feel pleasant during sunnier periods.

For the period from July 19 until August 2, the Met Office has forecast: "As can often be the case at this time of year, predictability at this range is exceptionally low.

"There is a roughly even chance of rainfall being both below average and above average, whilst around average to above average temperatures are slightly favoured."