Temperatures in London are forecast to peak at a sweltering 33C on Tuesday (July 19) as a mini heatwave briefly grips the capital.
But the scorching temperatures aren't expected to last long, with the Met Office predicting a maximum temperature of 29C on Wednesday and a considerably milder 22C this Thursday.
The capital is set to be hotter than Majorca on Tuesday as the UK experiences its hottest day this year.
Wednesday is likely to be hot and humid again, with weather experts warning of a small chance of "intense" thunderstorms.
The short heatwave is not quite the three-month furnace Londoners were promised at the start of the summer .
Many will hope more sunshine is to follow in what has been a disappointing summer so far. And the good news is that the warmest week of the year could be yet to come .
Mix of sunshine and showers to end the week
A hot start to this week will be followed by fresher conditions on Thursday and Friday, when Londoners can expect a mixture of sunshine and showers, with the latter most likely on the Friday.
The mercury is set to soar to a balmy 28C on Monday (July 18), with a low of 20C expected, meaning there could be a sweaty night in store.
Sunshine is forecast throughout the first three days of the week, with a low of 23C predicted on Tuesday.
Transport for London has teamed up with Danone to hand out free bottled water at Tube stations on Tuesday to help Londoners stay cool.
The hot and sunny conditions are a marked change to the summer so far, which has been punctuated by heavy downpours causing flash flooding in parts of London.
But plucky Londoners have been refusing to let the damp weather get to them, with one pair even taking a dip in the floodwaters , as the video below shows.
Top tips for staying cool
Public Health England has urged people to stay safe in the heat and to look out for vulnerable older people, young children and babies, and those with underlying health conditions.
It advises people to:
- drink plenty of water - sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- open windows when it feels cooler outside and it’s safe to do so
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
