BRITS will bask in 32C sunshine TODAY ahead of a "hot and dry weekend" as the Met Office predicts a heatwave.

The glorious weather comes after what seems like months of downpour and a very wet summer.

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Beachgoers flocked to Brighton on Tuesday as temperatures continued to climbCredit: Alamy

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A couple soaked up the sun on Blackpool beach on TuesdayCredit: Getty

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The Met Office is predicting a heatwave in parts of the UKCredit: MET Office

Parts of the country were issued with flood warnings last week with a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms put in place.

But a U-turn in conditions is now putting parts of the UK in heatwave criteria, say the Met Office.

The south coast including Bournemouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight will hit around 29C by 2pm on Wednesday while Kent reaches 30C.

Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham and Milton Keynes and much of Wales are predicted to bask in 27C sun - getting warmer as the day goes on.

Northern Ireland will see highs of 27C in parts while Scotland will be slightly cooler at 25C, the weather service said.

With it expecting to last the rest of the week, temperatures could even top 33C on Thursday.

Amy Bokota, meteorologist for the Met Office, said: “In total there’s 13 stations that have officially marked it [heatwave].

"As you go through the next couple of days quite a few extra will be added onto that. 32C is expected [today], 33C perhaps on Thursday, which is expected to be the peak.

"It will then be 32C right the way until Sunday for some places in the south.”

According to the Met Office, a heatwave is an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year.

The threshold for a heatwave varies by area and often develop due to a jet stream north of the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency upgraded its heat alert to amber due to the hot temperatures.

The warning covers every region of England apart from the North East, where a yellow alert is in place.

The warnings are in place from 12pm on Tuesday until 9pm on Sunday.

Ways to keep safe in the hot weatherKeep out of the heat, if you canIf you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pmAlways wear sunscreen (with SPF rating of 30), a hat and light clothesAvoid exercise or activity that makes you hotterHave cold food and drinksAvoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinksHave a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothesKeep your living space cool by closing windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has dropped

Source: NHS