Britain could encounter temperatures as high as 35C (95F) this week as balmy heat continues.

Thermometers will be highest in the south and east, according to current Met Office forecasts, but things look set to be cooler for the west and north of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Exeter in Devon could see a week-high temperature of around 26C on Sunday, while Greater Manchester is tipped to be just as hot on Thursday and Friday.

It is the capital that looks set to swelter, however, with thermometers predicted to be highest on Wednesday and Friday this week – tipping 32C.

But things could get even hotter, with one meteorologist saying: ”I wouldn’t bet against 34C locally.”

Scotland will be considerably cooler, with less clear sunshine than other parts and with temperatures in Edinburgh reaching 23C on Thursday.

But it is those in Belfast, Northern Ireland, who will avoid the fierce heat, with temperatures no higher than 20C and cloudy skies predicted.

Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “It does look likely it will be at least 33C at some point this week, most likely on Wednesday or Thursday, in the south east and east, London, Essex, Kent, east Anglia and into Lincolnshire – and that would make it the hottest day we have had so far.

“It always seems that when the schools break up that is when we get the bad weather, but in this instance that is not the case.”

Bookmaker William Hill has already slashed odds on Brits enjoying heat above 36C this summer to just 2/1.