TEMPERATURES are set to sizzle in Dudley this weekend as the UK basks in a heatwave.

The mercury is set to gradually rise through today, with a maximum temperature of 28° expected.

It will get hotter as the afternoon wears on, hitting 27° at 3pm, before highs of 28° are predicted from 4pm until 6pm.

This evening will be slightly cooler but still balmy, with temperatures of 26° and 25° expected around 8pm and 9pm.

It looks set to be glorious weekend as it will continue to be very warm on Saturday with plenty of sunshine and light winds.

Expect temperatures of 21° by 11am, climbing to 23 by midday.

Saturday afternoon looks set to be a scorcher, starting at 24° at 1pm before hitting a maximum of 26° by 4pm, the Met Office predicts.

Expect another warm night with temperatures estimated to drop to 22° at 8pm and 20° by 9pm.

It looks set to stay warm through the rest of the weekend and into next week. The Met Office predicts it will be mostly dry with sunny spells, but with the chance of thundery showers increasing.

Sunday will see highs of 25°, beginning cloudy but becoming sunny by lunchtime.

Temperatures begin with a mild 17° at 10am before rising to 21° by 1pm. Later in the afternoon the mercury is expected to hit a high of 24° by 4pm, continuing into the early evening.

Health chiefs have urged people to stay safe in the hot weather, especially by looking out for vulnerable and elderly people.

Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health England, said: “Many of us welcome warmer weather, but some people may find it more difficult to cope. People recovering from COVID-19 at home, those who are self-isolating, older people and people with underlying health conditions are all more vulnerable during hot weather.

“This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to COVID-19. A lot of homes can overheat, so it’s important we continue to check on older people and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they’re living alone and may be socially isolated.

“If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather, follow government guidance on how to do this safely. The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool.”

The current hottest August day on record is 38.5 Celsius, reached in Faversham on August 10 2003. The current record maximum temperature for the UK is 38.7 Celsius, reached in Cambridge Botanic Garden on 25 July 25 2019.