Sizzling temperatures will only cool slightly with the latest heatwave of the year predicted to bring a barbecue weekend for millions of Brits.
The mercury is expected to climb into the low to mid-30s in eastern England today, with a possible high of 34C (93.2F), the Met Office said.
The fourth heatwave in a record-breaking year for weather has brought warm and humid conditions to many areas in recent days.
However, the hot spell is predicted to give way to increasing instability in Scotland from this afternoon, with a growing risk of thunderstorms.
Yellow weather warnings have been issued for most of Scotland today, before extending over the country and much of Northern Ireland tomorrow.
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The generally high temperatures will nevertheless continue on Thursday, despite unsettled conditions in the north.
A north-south divide is expected to follow on Friday, with cloudier skies and patchy rain or drizzle in parts of the north, while the south enjoys plenty of sunshine and fine weather.
The mercury could peak at 31C (87.8F) in southern England, according to the UK’s official forecaster. Dry and sunny conditions will prevail in most areas at the weekend, although the far south-west may see the odd shower and feel windy at times.
Temperatures look to be near average in the east, but could be warm or very warm in the west, with locally hot conditions in the south-west.
Highs could reach 30C (86F) on Saturday and 29C (84.2F) on Sunday, although the picture will become clearer closer to the time, according to the Met Office.
Chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: ‘Some areas will continue to experience their fourth heatwave of the summer so far, with Thursday remaining warm or very warm for many, though cooler near coasts.
‘Temperatures could still reach 30C in eastern England, though many areas will be a few degrees cooler than earlier in the week.’
England has already experienced the warmest June since records began in 1884, and the second hottest in the UK.
One of the impacts has been a lack of water in the canal and river system, which halted a theatre group’s tour by narrowboat.
Mikron Theatre told Metro how they were forced to crane their vintage boat out of the water for the first time in almost 50 years.
The interruption came last week as the canal network felt the strain after the earlier heatwaves and one of the driest springs on record.
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