A 'mini heatwave' has Southampton, with temperatures set to peak at 27 degrees on Tuesday, the Met Office have said.

The last blast of summer is due to warm winds from Spain and France.

Some parts of the UK will even see the mercury hit 31C.

When will the heatwave hit?

Tuesday (September 15, 2020) is expected to be the hottest day in the south and south east of England.

In Southampton, the Met Office says that highs will be 27C, with 25C expected on Wednesday.

Bright sunshine will hit the city on Thursday and Friday, but temperatures will only hit 21C and 22C as the winds change direction.

WATCH: Here's the latest Met Office weather forecast for the UK

What do the Met Office define to be a 'heatwave'?

The Met Office defines a heatwave as “when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.”

The heatwave threshold varies in the UK by country, to reflect the differences in climate across the UK.

In parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and north and south west of England, the threshold is 25C.

From Lincolnshire, Cheshire and down to Dorset, the threshold rises to 26C.

For parts of the Midlands, East Anglia and many of the home counties, the threshold temperature is 27C, with it rising again to 28C in London.

How to stay cool in a heatwave

While many of us will be rejoicing at the thought of warmer weather, there are health risks that come with the heat.

The main risks posed by heat waves are:

  • Dehydrating (not drinking enough water)
  • Overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart, or breathing
  • Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

What is the advice from the NHS during a heatwave?

The NHS recommends the following tips for coping in hot weather:

  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • Keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, instead sticking to the shade
  • Avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
  • Close the curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler

You should also follow all current social distancing guidelines and continue to wash your hands frequently.