Heatwave set to continue across UK

Hoping for a tan outside beach huts in Brighton, East Sussex

Weather forecasters say the warm weather is here to stay - for a few days at least - with enough sunshine to rival the continent.

The start of the holiday season means jetting off abroad for many Britons, but with temperatures predicted to break 90F [32C], many may be tempted to stay at home.

The current hot weather is expected to continue for about a fortnight, with particular hot spots on the southern coasts.

A spokesman for the BBC Weather Centre said: "The high pressure we are experiencing is expected to continue for the next five days.

Seaside

"The sunniest places are on the coast and the south, with temperatures around the 30C [86F] mark."

It is good news for millions of people who have broken up for their summer holidays, and means the prospect of holidaying in Britain is not as bleak as usual.

Make the most of it

BBC Weather Centre spokesman

Trouble in holiday destinations around the globe has given even more scope for staying put this year.

British tourists are recovering after being caught in a gun battle at a Sri Lankan airport.

And at Malaga airport in southern Spain, police deactivated a car bomb after warnings from Basque separatist group ETA.

The sun in the UK is expected to blaze across the country over the next fortnight, with London, the south east and the Midlands catching the most rays.

British Weather Services expert Jim Dale said it is going to be the hottest time of the year, with a sustained heatwave in the last week of July and the first week in August.

"The UK will be sucking up tropical air from the south," the senior forecaster explained.

"The temperatures in the surrounding seas are a Celsius degree warmer than they were this time last year. This cocktail makes for potentially high temperatures."

Thunderstorms possible

But the summer in Britain would not be the same without the odd shower, even if at this stage it is only a warning.

Forecasters say sporadic thunderstorms are possible during the hot spells.

The BBC's Weather Centre spokesman said: "There is always the potential for thunderstorms to break out at any time

"It is typical British sunny weather and the best thing to do is make the most of it."

He advised holidaymakers and sun-worshippers to protect against the sun's rays at all times.

"Air pollution is likely to build, particularly in urban areas," he added.

Traffic

The heatwave follows some of the worst weather the UK has seen for centuries, after severe floods earlier this year.

It is certain to put pressure on holiday destinations in the UK at the weekend with traffic queues likely.

A BBC Travel News spokesperson advised those preparing to travel: "Plan your journey, set off early and have plenty of patience."

The Prime Minister and his family will be among those hoping the warm weather will last.

Tony Blair's official spokesman has confirmed he and his family will be taking part of their summer holiday in south west England, but later in the season.

First they will holiday in Mexico following Mr Blair and wife Cherie's official tour of Brazil and Jamaica, which begins this weekend.