Britain set for heatwave after miserable May weather

Britain will enjoy a heatwave this week as rain and gale-force winds give way to blazing sunshine.

Temperatures are set to soar to 28C (82F) next weekend as the country sizzles in fine weather which will rival holiday resorts in the Mediterranean.

Britons are expected to flock to parks and beaches and dig out their barbecues to make the most of the sunshine, which kicks in on Wednesday.

The balmy weather predicted is in stark contrast to the first half of the week, when much of the country will be blighted by rain, wind and below average temperatures.

Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “It is a real contrast in weather from the early part to the end of the week.

“Monday and Tuesday will be cool and often wet and windy. But then the high pressure starts to build across the UK and and it certainly becomes very warm and locally hot in the South.

“Wednesday is the transition day from the unsettled to the better weather with temperatures reaching around 20C (68F) in the South.

“Friday into the weekend will see a much bigger increase with strong sunshine. Certainly is it good weather for getting out and about.

“May so far has been cool and the temperatures below average, so it is quite a contrast – a big change in the coming week.”

Temperatures will struggle to get into the low teens in the north tomorrow and into the beginning of next week.

Blustery showers and gale-force winds are expected to hit tomorrow, while forecasters are warning that heavy rain and thundery showers will strike on Tuesday.

But things dramatically improve in the second half of the week and the mercury is predicted to soar to 28C (82F) in the south on Friday and Saturday as warm air from the continent drifts over Britain.