If you are planning on making the most of the great weather with a barbecue, advice is to plan it for the end of the week before the weather changes for the worse on Saturday.

Forecasters are predicting that Friday will be the hottest day of the year with temperatures potentially reaching 33°C thanks to the so-called Spanish plume which brings warm air to the UK.

Sadly sun lovers are set to be disappointed as as the Powys weather turns ‘cooler and fresher’ over the weekend with the risk of heavy rain and thundery showers.

The Met Office has predicted that it will become increasingly warm from Wednesday with temperatures building in time for the hottest day of the week on Friday.

Thursday will be a very warm day across Powys with plenty of strong though often hazy sunshine. Winds are forecast to remain light throughout with a maximum temperature of 27 °C.

With a sweltering maximum temperature of around 30°C forecast for Friday, is not set to last for very long as it set to turn ‘cooler and fresher; over the weekend with the potential for some heavy rain in places.

Deck chairs may well be packed away by the end of the week, as according to the Met Office forecast, the UK-wide outlook for Sunday is “showery rain across the south with the chance of this becoming heavy or thundery at times.”

The NHS website offers the following tips for coping in hot weather:

  • look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
  • close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  • walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
  • avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
  • make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling
  • if you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice