Good news for British sunseekers as the longest heatwave in years shows no signs of slowing down this week, according to the Met Office.

Forcasters predict scorching temperatures of 30C nationally and up to 26C in Cornwall, and these will stay until next Monday.

The Met Office said highs of 33C are expected in some areas this afternoon, with central, southern and eastern England all experiencing the rising temperatures during the heatwave.

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It could mark the hottest day of the year so far, with the UK’s record high for this year currently standing at 32.7C. It was recorded at Heathrow on June 17.

The warm weather is expected to continue through the week in the high 20s for most until the weekend, when the mercury may rise again to 31C in places such as London, Reading and Oxford.

This means parts of the country will be hotter than some of the world’s top beach destinations, including the Maldives and Marbella in Spain.

A Level Three Heat Health Alert has been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from 9am on Monday to 9am on Friday in the east and south-east of England, with the rest of the nation having a level 2 alert in place.

How long will this heatwave last?

But the hot sticky nights have left many yearning for cooler air soon so when will the extreme temperatures subside.

Greg Dewhurst, of the Met Office, said temperatures will remain in the mid-to-high 20s until the end of the week.

On Friday, England and Wales can expect to see dry and sunny conditions with light winds, although across Scotland and Northern Ireland, scattered showers are likely.

He said: “For most of us it will be a dry and sunny day, well into the high 20s from the morning, with central, southern and eastern parts of England to possibly see maximum highs of 33C,” he said.

“So it’s very possible tomorrow will be the hottest day of the year so far, it will certainly be on par with the existing record, maybe more.

“It will also be very warm overnight going into Tuesday, remaining in the low 20s in cities, so many may experience an uncomfortable night.”