Parts of Britain are set for another scorcher, but forecasters warned thunderstorms could bring the short-lived heatwave to an abrupt end.

Temperatures will hit 31C (88F) in some parts of the country, beating the highs of 28C (82F) that made Sunday the hottest day of the year so far.

But by Monday evening the hot weather could be broken by thunder and showers.

Andy Ratcliffe, a forecaster at MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "Much of England will be hot and humid again. We're looking at highs reaching about 31C (88F) in the London area.

"But there is the chance of scattered thundery showers developing, and there could be local downpours where they occur."

Although some parts of Britain will enjoy soaring temperatures, some areas will be cooler than they were on Sunday, he said.

"Further north-east across the UK it will be fresher, with bursts of rain. The rain will move from southern and eastern Scotland into northern England and into Wales by the end of the day. The remaining parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will be mainly dry but fresher than yesterday."

The weather will start to turn cooler on Tuesday, with London enjoying the highest temperatures, of around 24C (75F).

Mr Ratcliffe said: "Tomorrow we will see the remaining hot and humid conditions clearing to leave all areas fresher for the rest of the week, with scattered showers."

Earlier, Paul Mott of MeteoGroup, said there would be "heavy showers and localised thunder storms spreading east across England" on Monday evening and Tuesday. He added: "By Wednesday the heatwave will definitely be over. If anything it will be a bit colder than average, 20C (68F) in London and down to 15C (59F) elsewhere."

Photo by Whipper snapper, Press Association