And Finally... Britain is heading for a sizzling summer

"We can expect times when temperatures will be above 30C (90F), something we hardly saw at all last year."

The Met Office has already recorded warmer seas in the North Atlantic and higher pressure which brings better weather. And the effect of La Nina, cold waters in the East Pacific which bring soggy conditions, is limited this year.

Mr McCallum added: "This means prolonged spells are more likely - we are calling it a barbecue summer.

"It's good news. Finally, positive for the majority of people." This year's predicted heatwave follows the washout of 2008.

Last August was the dullest since records began in 1929 with just 105.5 hours of sunshine compared with a monthly average of 165.

It was also the fifth wettest with 139.8mm of rainfall.

But BBC forecaster Laura Tobin warned that this year's higher temperatures could bring heavy downpours.

She added: "It doesn't mean it will be dry. With the heat, we see some very heavy thunder showers at times."