UK weather charts show where and when it will rain as longest heatwave in 42 years set to end with plunging temperatures

THE longest heatwave for 42 years will come to halt today - but won't be gone for long.

The nation enjoyed one last scorcher yesterday with temperatures soaring to 89F (31.5C) in Gravesend, Kent.

The thermometer is set to drop to 77F (25C) today with scattered showers expected to drench scorched lawns.

But the heatwave will be back by Friday with up to 86F (30C) expected across the south and south east.

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: "We're going to see cooler temperatures and some heavy rain arrive today.

"Temperatures will be back down to where they should be for this time of year which means the heatwave is at an end - but it'll be back.

"We'll see temperatures slowly creeping back up over the next few days before a possible 86F (30C) by the weekend.

"It's going to pick right back up where it left us."

The heatwave, the longest since 1976, began on June 24 and saw 16 consecutive days where temperatures were over 82F (28C).

It also saw the hottest day of the year so far with 91.4F (33C) set at Porthmadog in Wales on June 28.

And forecasters reckon the warm weather could remain until the end of the month at the very least.

Mr Wilson added: "Most places look like they'll stay warm and hot through to the end of July - particularly in London and the South East."

If it does this month could be among the hottest July's on record.

Last month Brits enjoyed the nation's second hottest June ever. Only June 1940 was hotter, the Met Office said.

The average day-time maximum temperature was 68F (19.9C) - the same as it was during the drought of 1976.

The crisis was so bad the government appointed a drought minister and rationed water.