23/05/2016
Cornwall could see three months of sizzling temperatures as extreme "heat surges" are swept in from the Continent.
From the start of June, forecasters are expecting a heatwave, paving the way for a record-breaking summer of sunshine. The Met Office says high pressure close to the UK should bring settled, dry and sunny weather and above average temperatures, particularly in the south west.
Temperatures are expected to reach 30C for prolonged periods throughout June, July and August, thanks to scorching air from Africa and the Continent, some forecasters believe.
Rebecca Lindsay, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) told the Mirror: "This shift disrupts the atmospheric circulation patterns that connect the tropics with the middle latitudes, which in turn modifies the mid-latitude jet streams.
"This can affect temperature and precipitation across…the world." Previous summer scorchers - including 1915, 1949,1959, 1976 and 2003 - could be left in the shade by the 2016 heatwave.
All of these years recorded extremely hot temperatures for extended periods of time. The highest temperature ever recorded in the UK was a scorching 38.5C in August 2003. Piers Corbyn, forecaster for WeatherAction, said Britain was heading towards a "tremendous dry, warm and sunny flaming June".
He said: "We are forecasting a tremendous dry warm sunny 'Flaming June' for most of the month. "The start will be dry, warm or hot, with sunny, blue skies. Some great weather is on the way."
A met Office a spokesman said: "Currently it looks likely that more settled conditions will continue for the start of June, with high pressure close to the UK.
"This should bring settled, dry and sunny weather for most. High pressure may break down, at times, as we go further into the month, bringing some wetter interludes, with rain or showers and a risk of thunderstorms, although these most likely in the south.
"Temperatures are favoured to be just above average for most areas, especially in the south and west." A spokesman said: "Currently it looks likely that more settled conditions will continue for the start of June, with high pressure close to the UK. Globally, 2016 is expected to be the warmest year on record, according to the Met Office.