Brits are set to sizzle in temperatures hitting mid-20s next week thanks to a tropical plume moving in from north Africa, which will also bring violent thunderstorms.
The mercury is set to hit more than 25C in some areas next week, bringing glorious weather perfect for barbecues.
People will have to watch out however, as forecasters say the tropical conditions will trigger torrential downpours and severe thunderstorms sending us all for cover.
Britain will stay in the steam bath through next week when temperatures could nudge the high 20Cs, according to the Met Office.
The hottest day is expected to be Tuesday, particularly in the south east.
Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: "Through next week we expect above-average temperatures, the mid-to high-20Cs is possible at times mainly towards the south-east if we see sunshine with this plume.
"But with those high temperatures we could see showers or thunderstorms breaking out.
"It will be warm or perhaps very warm next week, and at times there will be outbreaks of rain."
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, added: "We are talking T-shirts and ice creams during this mini heatwave."
"Hot weather will bring the risk of thunderstorms over the weekend and then at the start of next week.
"Warm weather will kick off on Saturday although Sunday looks like bringing the highest temperatures.
"We could see 26C in southern regions although it will be warmer than average across the country."
Warm air will sweep into Britain around an Azores High weather system stretching across the Atlantic.
Also known as the Bermuda High, it will drag humid, tropical air from North Africa across the Continent and into Britain.
Mr Dale said: "The warmth initially comes from North Africa, but travels across Spain and France before reaching the UK.
"It will be driven by the Azores High and the jet stream which at the moment is to the north of the UK."
Bookmaker Ladbrokes has ripped up the odds on late spring rainfall offering 3-1 from 8-1 on next week bringing the wettest day of the year.
Spokesman Alex Apati said: "Temperatures are on the up at long last, but that won't stop record-breaking rain for the year potentially coming next week, if the latest odds are anything to go by."
Coral is still hedging bets on a sizzling summer offering 4-5 from 2-1 on this year melting the record books.
Spokesman John Hill said: "We now make it odds-on for the UK to have a record hot summer this year.
"All the latest forecasts point to a sizzling summer.
