Phew - prepare for a scorcher

Met Office meteorologists are forecasting a very warm, occasionally hot and humid, week across the UK for much of this week with temperatures expected to be at their highest on Wednesday.

Temperatures are forecast to nudge into the 30s Celsius in parts of the southeast and central areas during the middle of the week, this "heatwave" will only last a day or two, with temperatures dropping slightly by Thursday.

The heat will start to build today (Tuesday 30th June) as a tropical continental airmass from mainland Europe begins to dominate our weather. Temperatures across Iberia reached 43.7 °C at Cordoba yesterday and are expected to continue to reach the low 40s Celsius here and in southern France with northern France seeing temperatures into the mid to high 30s Celsius.

Here in the UK parts of the southeast and central England could see temperatures reach 32 or 33°C on Wednesday, with an isolated chance somewhere might see 34 to 35 °C.  Scotland could see highs in the mid to high 20s, although it may be cloudy here at times.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Laura Paterson said: "Both Tuesday and Wednesday nights are expected to be warm and humid temperatures remaining in the high teens in many places, possibly low 20s Celsius in parts of southeast England."

The Met Offoce forecast for Devon is as follows:

Today
Any early cloud will soon lift through the morning to leave a fine day with near unbroken sunshine for most areas. Feeling very warm or hot in the strong sun, although somewhat fresher towards the south coast. Maximum Temperature 28°C.

Tonight:
The dry conditions will continue overnight with largely clear skies throughout. After a hot day, temperatures will only cool off slightly so feeling warm and very muggy overnight. Minimum Temperature 15°C.

Wednesday:
Staying fine for most with plenty of sunshine. Despite this, there is a risk of isolated thunderstorms developing that would track north. Turning even hotter, particularly towards the east. Maximum Temperature 31°C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Thursday, rain clearing with sunny, fresher weather following but still very warm. Friday. fine with temperatures rising later and localised severe thunderstorms overnight. Saturday, storms clearing, turning sunnier and fresher.