The risk is increasing as climate change continues to drive global temperatures upwards.

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group have previously found such extremes would have been "almost impossible" without human-induced climate change.

Gillian Kay, lead author of the Met Office study, said: "We find that temperatures several degrees above those recorded in July 2022 are plausible, with a simulated maximum of 46.6C. This is close to the theoretical range for London in today's climate – in the upper 40s or even higher – that has been proposed elsewhere."

The UK's June temperature record stands at 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976. Current forecasts suggest this is unlikely to be exceeded this time.

That infamous summer included the longest continuous heatwave on record, with 18 days above 28C. However, the Met Office's model found that today's climate could support a heatwave lasting up to 39 days.

High pressure and rising temperatures have prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue yellow heat-health alerts for most of England from midday Wednesday to Sunday evening.

While yellow is the lowest level (below amber and red), it warns of possible impacts on health and social services and recommends preparation for vulnerable groups, including the elderly.

It is worth noting that heatwave conditions do not always mean sunshine. As temperatures rise over the weekend, showers or thunderstorms could develop across parts of the UK.

A quick check of the BBC Weather app will show when the risk of rain increases locally - useful for anyone planning to spend time outdoors.

Current UK forecasts are showing that winds will start to switch to less hot westerlies from Saturday onwards. However, it's likely to be still very hot in eastern areas on Sunday with temperatures above 30C for some.

There will be a greater chance of occasional rain next week, but hotter weather will still not be far from the south-east corner of the country.