Met Office issues rare red weather warning for extreme heat as parts of Britain set to see near-record breaking temperatures

Temperatures across Britain are expected to rise to near-record breaking heights.

The sweltering heat could last until at least Thursday, according to the Met Office.

Forecasters have said there is "growing confidence" that this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, set in 1976 in Southampton.

The extreme heat could also disrupt rail, road and air travel, with the possibility of some tarmac melting, according to the Met Office.

For Monday, central southern England could see highs of up to 34C with the temperature set to climb to 37C on Tuesday in southern England and south-east Wales, Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said.

He added: "Then Wednesday and Thursday, both 38C but there’s potential for it to go higher and then by Friday, coming down a little bit, so we’ll see 33C and then it should ease off into the weekend but still stay quite warm, even into next week, although it won’t be anywhere near as warm as this week."

The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat in central and southern England and Wales

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