The UK is bracing for a 400 mile-wide 'Spanish scorcher' as temperatures are expected to exceed 30C. Following a record-breaking spring, the summer season has begun with drizzle and cooler temperatures this week, with disappointing highs of 16-20C over the next few days and periods of rain.

However, hot air from Spain - which is currently experiencing early summer temperatures of 40C - is set to reach Britain after the weekend, according to weather maps. BBC Weather has forecast that temperatures will reach 27C by next Wednesday, while other meteorologists predict highs of 31C, surpassing the year's hottest day so far, recorded on May 1 at 29.3C.

Weather experts suggest that the heatwave could persist for weeks, with the Met Office predicting yesterday that this summer is twice as likely to be hotter than average.

This comes as spring is poised to be recognised as one of the warmest, sunniest, and driest ever recorded. Brian Gaze, a forecaster for The Weather Outlook, commented: "Summer is starting, so bring on the rain.

"But temperatures are forecast to rise in the second week of June, with computer models showing Spain's exceptional heat making a beeline for the UK. "The likelihood is growing of temperatures around 30C or just above in mid-June, as hot air from the continent pushes towards Britain."

BBC Weather added: "After changeable conditions, there's a possible warmer spell next week. And further into June should be mostly settled and warm, with largely summery and dry conditions."

A Met Office forecaster revealed: "It will feel cooler, with widespread heavy rain on Tuesday and spells of showers from Wednesday onwards, perhaps with strong winds. "But high pressure will probably become more dominant over the weekend and towards mid-June. There's the chance of a few hot days.

"From June 14 to 28 has a mixture of Atlantic weather systems and sunny periods, and perhaps hot spells."

Meanwhile, Monday is expected to begin bright and sunny in most regions but will gradually turn cloudier, with heavy rain forecasted for Northern Ireland and parts of western Scotland.

Daytime temperatures are set to peak at 22C in London, 19C in Manchester, 18C in Belfast and Cardiff, and 17C in Edinburgh.

UK weather forecast.

Monday:.

Starting off dry and sunny with light winds, but becoming increasingly cloudy from the west. Heavy rain will spread across Northern Ireland and into western Scotland by evening.

It will also be windy in these areas.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:.

Heavy rain will clear eastwards early on Tuesday morning, leaving behind blustery showers nationwide. Further bouts of rain are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, interspersed with some brighter spells.