Met Office weather forecasters warn of risk of ‘hot conditions’ as UK heatwave 'set to last into July'

The long-term forecast warns of an ‘increased risk of hot conditions’ in June as sunseekers have basked in temperatures in the mid to high 20s across the weekend.

It comes as as Britain braces itself for an increase in staycations as popular beach destination Portugal is thrown off the green list as the country’s case rate grows.

England and the rest of the UK has enjoyed sunny weather over the last week with more warm weather expected until 8 June after cold conditions and rainfall dominated much of April and May.

It’s also looking as though July is looking to continue the warm weather trend.

‘Hot conditions’

For its long-range forecast – from June 19 to July 3 - the Met Office predicts sunny, above average temperatures as summer in the UK gets off to a balmy start.

The forecast tells sunworshippers to predict ‘a good deal of fine and dry weather’ across much of the UK for the end of June but there could be a few showers in places and perhaps some rain in the far north at times.

Above average temperatures

In the shorter term forecast – from 9 June until 18 June - the Met Office said there will be ‘rather mixed conditions’ with thunderstorms expected in the southeast of the country.

Otherwise, temperatures will trend towards the warmer side of average.

It added: ‘Towards the end of the period, a trend towards more settled and dry conditions overall, however this accompanied by a risk of some showers and prolonged spells of rain across the far north.

‘Low cloud and sea fog are also likely to develop, throughout this period and affect northern and eastern coastlines.

‘Temperatures are likely to remain average to warmer than average with an increased risk of hot conditions.’