UK weather – African heatwave set to sizzle the UK as Brits prepare for 35C weekend of sunshine

AN 'AFRICAN heatflare' is set to sizzle the UK - with Brits preparing for a 35C weekend of sunshine.

Forecasts show the mercury soaring later this week after a weekend of slightly cooler temperatures.

According to BBC meteorologist Matt Taylor, after a weekend of slightly cooler temperatures the mercury will climb again later this week.

He said: "In the second half of the week, temperatures are set to climb across the country once again.

"Once we hit Friday and Saturday, we could be in the very hot category once more, especially across the eastern half of the country.

"35C is possible again.”

Mr Taylor also pointed to a temperature for Nottingham, which shows temperatures soaring to 29C on Friday and 30C on Saturday.

But before the heatwave hits, Brits will see a drier day on Monday with the mercury hovering around 18-19C.

In their forecast for Monday, the Met Office said some showers could even be expected in parts of the country.

They said: ";The focus for the worst of the showers are likely to be the north and east of the UK, and could be heavy in places.

"There will be sunshine towards the south west but it will be cool for the time of year."

They added that heavy rain was expected in the north west on Tuesday, with temperatures slightly lower ahead of the scorcher later in the week.

Forecasters now predict Britain is heading for a heatwave thanks to an 'African heat flare'.

The 700 mile-wide heat flare will bring temperatures up to 35C next weekend, with the hot weather continuing until mid-month.

The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “August could rescue summer.

“Computer models suggest a very warm or hot period from Thursday, lasting for as long as mid-month. 35C is possible again.”

Beaches were rammed on Friday and Saturday sun-seekers were told to stay away from the shores as coastlines in Bournemouth and Brighton were packed to capacity.

Roads melted in the heat, and Network Rail halved some train speeds as rails risked buckling.

The Coastguard had its busiest day for more than four years on Friday - as it dealt with more than 300 incidents.