An official heatwave is expected to hit London before thunderstorms hit the UK later in the week, forecasters have said.

The Met Office has said to expect the early part of this week to be hot, with temperatures reaching around 30C in London and an official heatwave possible by Tuesday (July 30).

However, yellow weather warnings are in place for thunderstorms for much of the UK starting Thursday, which could bring surface water flooding and gusty conditions.

Yellow heat health warnings have also been issued across most of England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

All areas of England, except the North East and North West have been included in the warning, which is in place until Wednesday.

The UKHSA warned that expected hot weather may have “significant impacts” on the health and social care sector across the South East and London, with minor impact elsewhere.

Here is the hour-by-hour forecast for today (July 30)

5am - Sunny 19C

6am - Sunny 19C

7am - Sunny 19C

8am - Sunny 20C

9am - Sunny 22C

10am - Sunny 24C

11am - Sunny 26C

12pm - Sunny 28C

1pm - Sunny 28C

2pm - Sunny 29C

3pm - Sunny 30C

4pm - Sunny 31C

5pm - Sunny 31C

6pm - Sunny intervals 31C

7pm - Sunny 30C

8pm - Sunny 28C

9pm - Clear 26C

10pm - Clear 24C

11pm - Sunny 23C

Here is the hour-by-hour forecast for tomorrow (Wednesday, July 31)

4am - Sunny 19C

7am- Sunny 19C

10am - Sunny 24C

1pm - Sunny 28C

4pm - Sunny 28C

7pm - Sunny 26C

10pm - Partly cloudy 22C

Forecast in full

Tuesday:

Another fine and dry day with plenty of hazy sunshine across the region and for much of the day. Feeling hot and increasingly humid though cooler along coasts. Maximum temperature 32 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Largely fine and dry Wednesday but an increasing risk of showers on Thursday, potentially thundery. Feeling very warm and humid. Cooler and breezy on Friday, chance of showers for some.

Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey said plenty of sunshine was expected across England and Wales on Monday, with temperatures hitting mid to high 20s in many areas.

She said: “We could see temperatures reaching around 30C in the London area and South East, while it will be a little bit cooler near the coast.

“Through the evening a weather front starts to push its way in to the far North West, but it weakens as it moves, bringing some cloud and light patches of rain over the highest ground further north in Scotland and north-west England.”