Exact date thunderstorms will end 34C heatwave revealed by weather maps

Relief from the ongoing heatwave is just days away as thunderstorms are set to bring the scorching heat to a swift halt next week, new weather maps show.

After a brief respite from searing temperatures earlier this week, Brits are baking once again after a five-day heatwave began on Wednesday, sending the mercury soaring with highs of 34C expected this weekend. The Met Office said heatwave criteria will be reached before the end of the week as temperatures climb into the low 30s. But many will be glad to know the end is in sight as storms look set to appear next week across the country, dampening the stifling heat.

Ventusky weather maps show a huge stormy band piercing through the country on Monday at AROUND 7am, starting in Suffolk and shooting across the isles, through the Midlands and north-west and reaching as far north as Ayr in Scotland. As the day rolls on, temperatures will be noticeably lower than in the preceding days, with the highs of 34C dropping to 27C at 1pm.

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It comes as meteorologists for the national forecaster predict a roasting 32C or 33C today and highs of 34C tomorrow. The Met Office said: "Today will be a largely dry and sunny day away from the extreme northwest of Scotland where there will still be some cloud and patchy drizzle. Hot elsewhere in the sunshine but slightly cooler along eastern coasts.

"Tonight will be dry and clear for most with some locally high temperatures, making it feel muggy for some. Some low cloud and sea fog around coastal areas.

"Tomorrow will be another widely hot day with plenty of sunshine and light winds. Eastern coast may be slightly cloudier and therefore cooler."

Earlier this week, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: "High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend.

"This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer.

"Temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend and ease early next week."

He added: "Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend. This hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area than previous ones so far this summer and pollen and UV levels will be very high in some areas. For updates, do keep an eye on the Met Office forecast as the picture develops."

In the UK, a heatwave is officially defined when a location records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies by county, from 25C to 28C.