23 areas to 'exceed heatwave criteria' for almost a week as Brits set to sweat

Dozens of areas look set to exceed the heatwave criteria for almost a week with Brits ready to bake within days.

The Met Office has declared another heatwave is on its way with temperatures staying very warm for some time. Conditions will turn sweltering on Friday, the hottest day during the exhausting run, when the mercury will likely reach 32C across the South East of England and parts of the east coast. But almost everywhere in the country, and many areas in Scotland, Wales and Ireland will see a prolongedperiod of intense heat, and this will last into next week.

READ MORE: Exact date UK to be hotter than Barbados as Met Office declares new heatwave

The UK will be warmer than Barbados on Friday, with temperatures gradually rising throughout the rest of the week. The Met Office define a heatwave as when the "threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold" and add that "the threshold varies by UK county."

By 4pm on Friday, 13 areas including London, Yorkshire, the Midlands and Shropshire will see at least 30C heat - with many places not far behind as things turn uncomfortable for millions. It is due to be a red hot weekend too, with highs of 31c set to arrive in Herefordshire, as shown in the Met Office's interactive map where you can check your area.

By Tuesday, things will cool slightly, with 25C temperature expected across many parts of Britain. While the heatwave will last longer than the previous one, it won't be quite as tropical. During the hot blast last month, the mercury rocketed to 35C following the formation a "heat dome" in Europe.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley, of the Met Office, said: "High pressure from the Atlantic will gradually exert its influence over the UK this week. We’ll see temperatures build day-on-day, with the potential for hot conditions to become quite widespread by the end of the week and into the weekend.

"On Wednesday, temperatures could reach up to 28°C in parts of England, climbing to 30°C on Thursday and 32°C by Friday. By this stage, heatwave criteria are likely to be met in parts of England and Wales, and in parts of Scotland over the weekend.

"High temperatures are likely to persist into the weekend, especially away from coasts with onshore winds, reaching the low 30s in portions of England and Wales, and accompanied by rising humidity and warmer nights.

"This heatwave is likely to last longer than previous ones so far this summer, and affect a wider area, with the focus for some of the highest temperatures displaced across more central and western areas at times. In addition, pollen and UV levels will also be very high in some areas."

As the mercury soars, households in England and throughout the UK are advised to keep their windows, curtains, and blinds shut this coming Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. One effective strategy is to close windows and draw curtains or blinds during the sunniest periods, strategically open windows in shaded areas, and fully open all windows again in the evening when outdoor temperatures drop.

Energy provider OVO has issued advice on how to keep homes cool during the warmer months, cautioning against a common impulse: "Tempting as it is to fling open the windows at the first sign of summer, it's not actually the best idea. To keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out."

They advise: "This means keeping windows closed during the day - particularly south-facing windows. Keep curtains, blinds and windows shut when the sun is shining directly on them, and when you're out. Try opening windows on the most shaded side of your home, to avoid sunlight and hot air getting in."