Temperatures could rise above 30C in parts of the UK next week, forecasters say.
As the remnants of Tropical Storm Alex bring a low-pressure system to our shores, the country is going to be graced with a mixed bag of weather, according to the Met Office.
That means some parts of the north of the UK could experience gusts in excess of 55mph, alongside frequent showers and possible thunder.
Hot air over Iberia and France will be spreading north – and come Friday and Saturday, when Royal Ascot will be reaching its climax, things are going to be feel much more Mediterranean.
The weather in the south is likely to be fine and dry, with temperatures likely to peak around 24C (75F) on Father’s Day, although they even could exceed that into the low 30s.
Sky weather producer Joanna Robinson said: “From Wednesday it looks like temperatures are on the rise, as hot air over Iberia and France spreads further north.
“The south will reach the mid-20s, potentially the low-30s on Friday or Saturday.”
The hottest day of the year so far was recorded in May, when the mercury hit 27.5C at Heathrow.
Read more: UK weather: The latest Sky News forecast
Image: The mercury could hit the low 30s for Royal Ascot on Friday and Saturday
Pollen levels are also expected to be high in the south of the UK – with hay fever sufferers warned to prepare for a deluge of sneezes.
“Particularly potent” pollen caused by recent warm and wet weather is causing worse-than-usual symptoms for hay fever sufferers.
The combination of damp and warm weather in May means that despite pollen counts being no higher than usual, the pollen itself is stronger, experts said.
Yolanda Clewlow, from the Met Office, said: “The potency of these pollen grains could be more intense this year, and that comes down to the weather we’ve had in spring.
“A warm and wet May, coupled with a relatively warm spring, mean there’s a chance that the pollen that has developed is particularly potent.”
