UK weather maps turn bright red to reveal exact date Brits will bask in 27C heatwave

Scorching temperatures are set to send the UK sizzling in just a matter of days, with weather maps predicting the mercury will soon rocket up to a blistering 27C.

The latest forecast weather charts show a wave of red engulfing the nation as a surge of warm air is expected to finally usher in sunny and sweltering conditions after a lukewarm start to the British summer. Netweather's maps indicate that most parts of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will be basking in warm temperatures, with the southeast and London likely to get the lion's share of this summer heatwave.

From July 14 to July 15, much of the UK should brace for highs in the mid to late 20s, while only the farthest reaches of northern Scotland might escape the heat. Netweather suggests that July could well be a month of contrasts, yet by the second week's end, there's a chance for "heatwaves" to take hold, reports the Express.

A July 15 weather map and sunshine over London

The weather experts have said: "Confidence in the extent and timing of these hot and sunny spells is low, but it looks somewhat likely that this period will be warmer than average, possibly by 2C or more in some areas of the country."

They also predict that most places will likely see more sunshine than usual, though there's considerable uncertainty regarding rainfall, especially when it comes to pinpointing thundery showers so far in advance.

Nonetheless, the odds seem to favour drier conditions over particularly wet ones across the board. Echoing this sentiment, the Met Office has hinted at a "mid-month" trend towards more settled weather patterns taking hold across the UK.

The Met Office has predicted a mixed bag of weather for the period of July 15-29, stating: "On balance, it may be rather changeable at first, with periods of unsettled and cloudy, wet weather mixed with spells of dry and fine weather."

"The west is likely to see the wettest conditions, while the east will tend to be drier. By mid-month there is a signal for more settled conditions to develop, so more in the way of dry weather, although still with a risk of some rain/showers at times."

"Temperatures close to average at first, but with a greater chance of warmer than average conditions later in the period."