UK Weather: Temperatures set to soar higher than Greece as autumn heatwave continues

Don't pack away the summer wardrobe just yet as much of Britain will be hotter than Corfu later this week.

Temperatures are expected to hit 26C (79F) in the south by midweek - hotter than the Greek Island which is expecting 25C (77F) and with little rain on the horizon, September could also be on course to be the driest for 55 years.

The Met Office said high pressure would deliver a "warm, pleasant" week ahead with sunny spells, remaining dry for most bar showers in the North and East early in the week.

Temperatures are expected to climb to 25C or 26C by Wednesday or Thursday.

Beaches and parks across the UK were busier this weekend and tourism chiefs are expecting a bumper autumn week ahead.

Tesco said outdoor food sales soared 25 per cent year-on-year at the weekend - as the chain expected sales of 180,000 steaks, 220,000 ice cream tubs, 320,000 strawberry punnets, 2.5m bottles of beer and 2m bottles of wine.

Visit England spokeswoman Angelah Sparg said: "More warm weather means more good conditions for people to be out and about visiting the many sites the country has to offer."

Forecasters said tomorrow is set to be Britain's 15th day in a row at 22C (72F) or higher.

Met Office forecaster Kirk Waite said: "Temperatures are above average with pleasant, warm conditions and sunny spells - and it will stay that way for many in the next week.

"The start of week looks like 22C (72F) highs, with maximums by midweek in the South and East at 24C (75F) or 25C, and 26C couldn't be ruled out. September has been dry and very fine for most so far.

"It should stay dry for most through the week, with the following week settled for most with the risk of a few showers at times, most likely in the West. The end of September is due fine, sunny weather interspersed with the odd wetter day, most likely in the North and West."

Forecaster Brian Gaze of The Weather Outlook added: "It will feel more like high summer than autumn in coming days, with temperatures up to 26C in the South in midweek.

"September is very dry so far and the dry spell is going on and on."

However the dry conditions are making it increasingly likely that Britain is on course for a drier September than 1986, which saw just 35mm of rainfall, or possibly even 1959, which saw a record low of just 24mm.

So far the UK has averaged just 6mm of rain, compared to the usual mid-month figure of 41mm. Three reservoirs and five rivers are below normal levels.

August was Britain's wettest for 10 years with 140mm of rain.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "Water resources are around normal for the time of year. It is always important to use water wisely."

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