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BRITAIN is set to bake in an African heatwave later this month as hot air from the continent could send temperatures soaring.

The mercury is expected to be hotter than usual in the second half of August, providing solace for rained-out Brits.

Lyme Regis in Dorset is likely to be swimming with beachgoers
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Lyme Regis in Dorset is likely to be swimming with beachgoersCredit: Alamy

The mega temperatures - which could reach 30C - would be down to air travelling up from Africa and high pressure from the Azores.

Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “There are tentative signs of an improvement in the middle third of August. 

“High pressure may build towards the UK from the Azores, but there is a lot of uncertainty about this."

He said the driest weather will probably be in the south and east, but a heightened risk of heavy showers or thunderstorms means "local variations could be large", reports.

He added: “Temperatures should be above average, aggregated over the period. In the second half, the chance of settled and very warm periods increases.” 

The Met Office’s forecast predicts “a drier and warmer than average period from the middle of August” with "above average temperatures".

Girls paddle board in the sea on Brighton Beach
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Girls paddle board in the sea on Brighton BeachCredit: Getty

And the mercury could rise to around 30C.

The nation will first have to get through a period of showers and downpours, with more wet weather predicted over the next two weeks.

Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: “It is pretty grim out there especially this week.

"Thursday is not looking like a nice day, almost autumnal in terms of rain. 

“But there is a signal from roughly August 10 to 11 for dryer conditions to become more prevalent. Temperatures will be below normal at first but tending to be above average from mid-month, especially across the North."

Between Tuesday and Thursday this week, showers will come and go, with some longer spells of heavy rain expected.

The best of any fine weather likely across the north on Tuesday.

It comes after the UK was battered by Storm Evert last week, with 70mph winds sparking chaos across the country.

The storm, which began on Thursday evening, produced its hardest hitting winds across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

But the weather didn't stop people partying, with soggy pals meeting n streets, bars and pubs to make the most of their new freedoms.

The weather outlook across the UK on Monday at 7pm
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The weather outlook across the UK on Monday at 7pm
A group of friends in Leeds braved Storm Evert as they enjoyed their Friday night
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A group of friends in Leeds braved Storm Evert as they enjoyed their Friday nightCredit: NB PRESS LTD
Party-loving Brits did not let the rain ruin their plans
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Party-loving Brits did not let the rain ruin their plansCredit: LNP
Make-up free celebs strip off to sunbathe in the warm weather

 

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