Met Office weather maps indicate that 25 areas across the UK could be hotter than Ibiza on Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 26C. The hottest day of the year so far is expected today, with the mercury hitting 24C, but this record is set to be broken again tomorrow.
Temperature anomaly maps show deep red colours, indicating temperatures well above the seasonal average. The GFS weather model suggests the greatest temperature surges will be in England and Wales. The Met Office's own maps show at least 25 towns and cities will see temperatures of 20C or above, making them warmer than Ibiza, Spain, where only 19C is expected.
However, the Met Office has warned of a 'big change' on Thursday, with temperatures dropping to between 10C and 13C in some places. A spokesperson explained that the warm weather is due to southerly winds, but conditions will become more changeable with rain and showers advancing.
BBC forecasters also expect a similar drop-off, with Thursday being cooler and wetter across much of the UK. Eastern and southern areas may see dry spells on Friday.
