Brits warned over hosepipe ban amid fears of record-breaking heatwave as bookies slash odds

Sunbathers enjoying sunshine in Weymouth, Dorset

Bookies reckon we’re in for a record heatwave as they slash the odds to 1-3.

Coral is confident temperatures will beat last year’s 40.3C. And they’ve even pulled the plug on bets for a hosepipe ban. But hopes for a warm weekend have faded, as cloud is set to ­dominate. Today is overcast, with the best of any sun in the south. And brollies could be in order, as showers are tipped to develop.

Tomorrow should be dry for all but the north-west which will see scattered showers. Tuesday will be dry for most before rain returns to the north-west. Last night Coral’s John Hill said: “The odds on a record-hot summer are melting faster than an ice cream in the sun. With a dry summer expected, we have also pulled the plug on our betting on there being a hosepipe ban this year.” A report by the World Weather Attribution, a partnership of academics, found heatwaves are four times more likely than in 2000. Experts say extreme weather events are more frequent and intense because of climate change.