A MINI heatwave will hit Oxfordshire this week, with temperatures set to reach 30C tomorrow.

The Met Office is predicting highs of 27C today in Oxford and Abingdon, before they peak tomorrow, with temperatures then set to stabilise towards the end of week and into the weekend.

Meanwhile, in Witney and Wallingford, temperatures will reach as high as 29C tomorrow. The average for June is 18.6C, and 21C for July.

Met Office spokesman Dan Williams said: “We usually see a drop in temperature when air comes from the north and usually see temperatures stabilise when they come from the west.

“But what we are seeing at the moment is air coming from the south, coming over the hot countries and bringing warmer air over to Oxfordshire.

“The temperatures are well above average. This a mini heatwave.”

Next week will see very warm, humid conditions with the chance of thunderstorms, with the longer-term forecast predicting warm, sunny weather with a chance of hot spells.

Mr Williams added it was more than just the warm air causing the rise in temperatures, with blue skies and sunshine adding to the heat increase.

Public Health England has warned people about the impact the hot weather could have on them.

Paul Cosford, director for health protection at Public Health England, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the good weather safely. Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them, help them stay hydrated with plenty of cool drinks, and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.”