Exact dates for FIVE DAY heatwave as weather maps show 34C is just days away

A five-day heatwave is set to hit parts of the UK later this week, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 34C.

After a few days of cooler conditions, the Met Office said the mercury could climb into the low 30s starting from Thursday. However, the weather service said it won't be as hot as the heatwave we experienced at the end of June and beginning of July.

GFS model weather maps show temperatures will reach 30C on Thursday and 32C on Friday - with highs of 34C possible on Monday. Before the heatwave arrives, the Met Office said Tuesday will be a fine and dry day with plenty of sunny spells for many, but cloudier conditions are expected towards the northwest of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

READ MORE: UK weather: Met Office warns of third heatwave as temperatures top 30C - check your area

On Wednesday, we will see temperatures rise further as they reach heatwave criteria - a period of three or more consecutive days of temperatures higher than a location-based threshold. The heatwave is then expected to last from Thursday to next Monday.

Tuesday, July 15, is also expected to be a warm day, according to the latest forecast. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley 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 28C in parts of England, climbing to 30C on Thursday and 32C 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."

The Met Office's long-range forecast for July 12 to July 21 says "very warm or hot weather" is likely across the UK. It reads: "Settled at first, with very warm or hot weather quite widely across the UK. There is a small chance of a few thunderstorms, but most areas will likely be dry.

"Early next week, a transition to less hot conditions is expected, but with uncertain timing. This could bring an increasing chance of some rain or showers, perhaps thundery, but there is scope for very warm or hot conditions to persist in more eastern and southern areas.

"Beyond midweek, a rather changeable pattern is anticipated with some rain or showers possible at times, which could be heavy and thundery, but interspersed with drier interludes. Whilst a downward trend in temperature is anticipated, it will still likely be warmer than average, especially in the south and east where hot spells remain possible."