Bookies have slashed odds for July to be the hottest on record with temperatures soaring to as high as 40C.
Despite cooler weather in recent days, last month was still the warmest June since records began in 1884, and now bookmakers are backing similar highs over the next few weeks.
Last July the mercury climbed to a lofty 40.3C in London, the highest temperature recorded in Britain, but experts at William Hill have now predicted this summer might get even hotter.
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Spokesperson Lee Phelps said: "Having just experienced the hottest ever June on record in the United Kingdom, we make it a 12/1 shot for the UK to go one further and break its soaring July record of 40.3c from last year."
Sun-seeking Brits may welcome the predictions, but it makes for worrying news for sport stars competing in this year's summer competitions including the Ashes and Wimbledon.
William Hill has even predicted the beloved tennis tournament will see its hottest ever day as the competition continues over the next two weeks.
"Whilst touching temperatures of 40 degrees may seem a stretch given the relatively mild start to the month we’ve had, there’s more of a chance the ongoing Wimbledon Championships will experience its hottest ever day over the next fortnight," Phelps added.
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"We make it 7/1 for the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic to feature in temperatures of over 35.7c between now and next Sunday’s final."
The Met Office has predicted "above average" temperatures towards the end of July in its long-range forecast after a period of milder weather towards the start of the month.
Brits have already seen a milder start to the summer with temperatures at the start of July peaking in the low 20Cs.
But forecasters reckon we're in for a "short spike" this weekend before temperatures dip again in time for the start of next week.
Jim Dale, senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, told the Daily Express: “Friday does look hot, and a bit of Saturday, but that’ll be it. A short spike.
"I still expect we will see some big heat returning, still plenty of time. Looking south for the next waft."
The Met Office is predicting "early showers or thunderstorms" to return from Sunday (July 9).
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