UK weather – Britain to be hotter than MALIBU today with 29C scorcher before 34C heatwave

SCORCHING sunshine will make Britain hotter than Malibu today as the country braces itself for an impeding heatwave.

Brits can expect soaring heat of around 29C on Thursday with the temperature only set to increase in the coming days.

On Wednesday, the Met Office recorded the hottest day of the year so far as the nation was hit with a sizzling 27.8C - prompting the Met Office to issue a severe heat warning.

Friday is likely to see highs of 34C with sun-starved Brits set to pack the nation’s beaches and parks this weekend

But Thursday’s heat will usurp Malibu, California where temperatures are expected to go no higher than 23C.

The warm flow of weather is coming from Spain and Portugal, where daytime temperatures have exceeded 40C in some regions.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: "We have got high pressure at the moment so we are getting a certain amount of natural homegrown heat building up because obviously we have got clear skies and fairly dry ground conditions across southern England.

"We have also got warmer air being brought up from further south in Europe where there has been a major heat incident, particularly in Iberia, so that's leading to the sort of crescendo we will see on Friday.

"Because of the direction of the flow, with the weather pattern we have got set up in our latitude, that is encouraging this warm flow of air to come further north.

"We have got the heat building day by day. The next couple of days will be hotter than the preceding day.

"We think at the moment, although there is some uncertainty, that the weather temperatures will peak on Friday and then largely we will be in for a cooler day on Saturday.

"Heat may remain potentially into Saturday but for most parts of the UK because we have got a cold front moving down from further north we will see temperatures coming back down - but they may just hang on in southern England."

Despite the sunny weather, the temperatures have forced the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue heat-health alerts.

A level two warning - called alert and readiness - has been put in place for a large part of southern and central England.

First aid and health response charity St John Ambulance has issued some tips to handle the hot weather.

Its medical director Dr Lynn Thomas said: "If you're out and about in the sunshine, it's important to make sure you look after yourself by staying hydrated, keeping out of the sun at peak times, and by wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.

"I would also encourage anyone with elderly relatives and neighbours to check in with them, as any increase in temperature can be dangerous."

Meanwhile charity Age UK is urging elderly people to take some simple precautions, particularly if they have breathing problems or a heart condition.

Caroline Abrahams, of the charity, said: "Older people can be at risk of dehydration and overheating when it gets hot, especially if they live somewhere that is hard to keep cool.

"So it's a good idea to let people know if you have any concerns about yourself, especially if you live alone.

"For the rest of us, checking in on older relatives and neighbours is a nice idea - for example, you may have an extra fan you can lend, and the offer of an ice cream when it is sweltering will usually be appreciated too.

"Taking simple steps to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day is a good idea."

She advised elderly people to remain indoors, wear light clothing and drink plenty of water during the warmest times in the day.

However, the hot weather won't last forever as temperatures will take a sudden drop next week.

While Brits are currently enjoying tropical heat across the UK, the glorious weather won't last.

Temperatures could drop by 10C as early as Monday next week.