Wales and Northern Ireland have had their highest temperature of the year so far as a scorching heatwave continues to sizzle parts of Europe.

A temperature of 25.5C (77.9F) has been recorded in the Welsh coastal town of Porthmadog, while the Northern Ireland village of Castlederg experienced a high of 23.6C (74.48F).

Glasgow reported 25.2C (77.36F) at 2pm, but needs to beat 25.8C (78.44F), to be the highest of the year so far for Scotland.

It comes as an “enormous reservoir” of hot air from the Sahara engulfed Europe this week and is expected to bring temperatures surpassing 40C (104F) in the coming days.

Le Luc in the far south of France is now reporting 40C (104F), and the June record for the country is 41.5C (106.7F).

Other European countries have broken their June records, with parts of Germany, Poland and Czech Republic experiencing temperatures above 38C (100.4F) on Wednesday.

The UK is expected to see temperatures peak at 31C (88F) over the weekend.

The hot spell is expected to begin on Friday with highs of 27C (80.6F) – however some will experience a muggy start to the day.

On Saturday, highs of 30C (86F) could be seen for eastern parts as far north as Yorkshire, while temperatures will be in the upper 20s for festival-goers at Glastonbury.

Temperatures at the festival in Pilton, Somerset, could possibly reach the previous Glastonbury record of 31.2C (88.2F), from 2017, according to a Met Office spokeswoman.

“It’s going to be very warm in the South West over the next couple of days. Temperatures could be pretty hot,” she said.

“Today (Thursday) the maximum temperature in the South West will be about 28C (82.4F).

“On Friday, it will be a little bit warmer at 29C (84.2F), possibly 30C (86F), felt across parts of the South West.”

She continued: “There’s a small chance on Friday that temperatures could reach the current Glastonbury record. At the minute, 30C (86F) is more likely but we’re not ruling out 31.2C (88.16F).”

She urged music fans to be prepared by staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen throughout the weekend.

By Sunday, it will cool down everywhere across the UK.

Meanwhile the Met Office has issued a weather warning for strong winds in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall over the next 48 hours.

Blustery weather could cause issues for motorists and may bring some travel disruption.

“Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely,” its official website said.

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