A HEATWAVE is expected to hit the UK this weekend, with highs of 28 degrees.

A heatwave is an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity.

The Met Office says temperatures will reach highs of 27 degrees on Sunday and may rise to 28 degrees on Monday.

In North Wales, including Flintshire and Wrexham, the warm weather will begin on Friday with temperatures reaching 22 degrees.

On Saturday they will rise to 25 degrees on Saturday, continuing through the weekend before rising to 27 degrees on Monday.

The forecast is the same for Cheshire West, with temperatures in Chester and Ellesmere Port expected to peak at 27 degrees.

The Met Office forecast for this week said: "We could see a continuation of showers and longer periods of rain going into next week, these potentially heavy and widespread.

"From mid-next week onwards, conditions could gradually become more settled with a good deal of dry weather, variable cloud and spells of sunshine, though this is still uncertain. For the remainder of this period, there is a greater chance of warmer and drier than average conditions overall.

"The occasional spell of rain and unsettled weather are still possible, particularly over northwestern areas. However, most of the UK could see fine and dry conditions with light showers at times.

"Temperatures are likely to be around average in the northwest and above average elsewhere, whilst south and southeastern areas could see conditions feeling very warm."