Temperatures are expected to soar this week thanks to a mini 'heatwave'.

The Met Office is predicting a spell of hot weather across the next five days with highs of 24C on Wednesday in south Cumbria.

Wednesday is set to be the hottest day this week.

Residents in Kendal will have the bragging rights when temperatures reach 24C, though Carlisle will not be far behind with a high of 22C by the middle of the week.

It will still be more than pleasant in Barrow- and Whitehaven thanks to highs of 21C and 20C respectively on Wednesday.

Barrow is looking to be all sun for the next few days, though clouds are expected to be appear on Thursday to start August with a light rain coming in on Friday.

Despite enjoying the best temperatures in Cumbria this week, the rain will be coming earlier on Kendal, bringing it down to a modest 21C on August 1.

It is the same story in Carlisle, with dark clouds on Thursday and Friday preparing locals for much gloomier conditions by Monday, August 5.

And, although the temperatures are not as sweat-inducing over in Whitehaven, the rain will hold off until Friday, bringing the highs to a still enjoyable 18C.

The Met Office explained that the conditions are due to a change in the jet stream, thanks to higher pressure creating more dry, settled and sunnier weather.

Some place in the UK might even reach 'heatwave criteria' over the coming days according to forecasters, though this is likelier further south.

The Met Office said: "Conditions look to turn increasingly warm, or even hot, in central, southern and eastern areas, and its possible some places may reach heatwave criteria.

"It's uncertain how long this warmer weather will last though, with a possible breakdown from mid-week."