The UK could see its highest June temperature since Southampton's 1976 record this weekend.

The Met Office has predicted temperatures could climb to a peak of 33C on Sunday in the east of England.

This comes close to the record 35.6C recorded in Southampton in June 1976, the hottest June day ever recorded.

An official heatwave is recognised when areas hit specific temperatures for three consecutive days, with limits varying from 25C to 28C across different UK regions.

The Met Office has forecast temperatures of 27C on Tuesday and Wednesday, rising to 29C on Thursday, 30C on Friday, 32C on Saturday, and peaking at 33C on Sunday.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Holley, said: "Heat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend."

He also noted the possibility of some thundery showers across the far west on Friday night leading into Saturday.

Mr Holley added: "Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible.

"This is most likely to be in the east of England, with other areas seeing temperatures into the high 20s to low 30s Celsius.

"Warm, and perhaps even ‘tropical nights’, will also be a feature this week."

The warmer weather is a boost for the hospitality sector.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: "This spell of warm weather will no doubt be a welcome lift for hospitality venues up and down the country, as people look to eat, drink and socialise outdoors."

But with the heat comes risk.

The London Fire Brigade has warned of wildfires due to the dry conditions.

Deputy commissioner for operational policy, prevention and protection, Charlie Pugsley, said: "Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire."