A bank holiday heatwave could see record temperatures replace the wind and rain that has dogged August, the Met Office has said.

From Friday, south-easterly winds will draw warm air from Europe towards the UK, bringing rising temperatures along with dry and settled weather.

And by Monday, temperatures may reach 33C (91.4F) - which would set a new record for the late bank holiday weekend.

Chief meteorologist Steve Willington said: "We've had a fairly wet and windy August so far, however that's going to change this weekend as we see high temperatures, sunshine and light winds return.

"On Saturday and Sunday there'll be plenty of sunshine across the country with temperatures reaching into the mid-20s Celsius for many - it'll be warmest in south-eastern parts where 30C (86F) is possible.

"By bank holiday Monday itself temperatures will rise further with around 33 Celsius possible in the South East - which would set a new record for the coming bank holiday weekend."