South-eastern England is likely to see the UK’s hottest day of the year far on Friday, the Met Office has said.

The highest temperature so far in 2024 across the UK was recorded at Wisley in Surrey on June 26 (30.5C).

Although the UK as a whole will face a mixed picture on Friday and into the weekend, eastern areas are expected to see high temperatures last into Saturday. For the latest Surrey weather forecast see here.

In its latest set of forecasts, the Met Office is also warning hayfever sufferers that pollen levels will be high on Friday in almost all areas of the UK.

Yellow heat health alerts were issued on Wednesday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering the East Midlands, East England, London and the South East, including Surrey, from Thursday to Saturday.

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It warned that expected hot weather may have minor impacts on the health and social care sector.

Looking ahead to Friday, Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: “I think it’s quite likely we will see the hottest day of the year across the UK as a whole.”

Mr Morgan told the PA news agency: “Tomorrow I think we will see highs of around 31C, possibly close to 32C, in eastern and south-eastern England.

“But it won’t be anywhere near as hot in Scotland or Northern Ireland and here they won’t see a new warmest day of the year.”

Friday’s heat may last into Saturday, but only for those living in eastern areas of the UK, Mr Morgan added.

Met Office forecast for the South East

Today:

Any fog patches clearing quickly to leave a fine day with plenty of sunshine, perhaps hazy at times during the morning. Warm or very warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 28 °C. Into tonight, plenty of evening sunny spells with clear spells overnight. Chance of some isolated showers moving northeast from the south coast. Remaining warm or very warm. Minimum temperature 18 °C.

Friday:

Dry with plenty of sunshine, turning hazy at times mainly during the morning. Hot with light winds. Maximum temperature 30 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Another warm day on Saturday with the risk of heavy showers and thunder. Sunny spells with scattered showers and feeling fresher on Sunday. Cloudy and breezy with rain on Monday.