FIRE up the electric fans, break out the barbecues and stock up on plenty of ice, because next week Southampton could be even hotter than Spain - with bets on for temperatures nearing the mid 30 C.

According to forecasters, the lack lustre summer weather of June will give way to thermometer busting conditions from next Wednesday (July 1) until Saturday.

Scorching weather will start to build across Spain this weekend before spreading northwards across France early next week as a tropical continental airmass begins dominating the weather.

Met office spokeswoman Helen Chivers said: "The weather is showing signs of heating up next week.

"In contrast to June so far, which has seen temperatures often near or just below normal, next week could see a real change in the way it feels – with hot days and humid nights, especially across the south.

"Highs across southern Britain are likely to reach the low 30’s Celsius with a small chance of values in the mid 30’s here."

However forecasters have a note of caution for those expecting a prolonged heat wave.

Mrs Chivers said: "It’s worth saying that there is some uncertainty about how much of the hot weather from the continent will reach us, and it may only last a couple of days before temperatures drop a little.

"As is traditional with hot weather in the UK in the summer it may end with thunderstorms."

A heatwave is defined as abnormally hot weather over more than five days.