London weather: Hottest day of the year for London and South-East

Thursday is set to be one of the hottest days of the year, with temperatures expected to hit 27C across London and the South-East.

That would equal the previous best of 27C, recorded in Cupar, Fife, on June 18.

The weather will be "dry, bright and warm" in the capital, with temperatures expected to peak mid-afternoon, the Met Office said.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicky Maxet said: “There will be prolonged sunshine and it is going to be very pleasant in the southern half of the UK. It has the potential to be the hottest day of the year.”

But the sunshine is not expected to last until the weekend.

On Friday the good weather is predicted to continue temporarily but it could turn "cloudy and breezy overnight".

Rain is forecast in London on both Saturday and Sunday, meaning that at Wimbledon and women’s final on Saturday and men’s final on Sunday may have to be played under the Centre Court roof.

Heavy showers could hit the All England Club on Sunday, with temperatures peaking at about 20C.