Kent is set to be basking in the sun at last - with temperatures potentially hitting “heatwave” levels.

Following weeks of rain, wind and overcast skies, warmer weather is finally predicted over the coming week.

The Met Office says temperatures could be as high as 22C tomorrow, rising further next week.

The likes of Ashford, Canterbury and Maidstone look set to hit between 23C and 25C on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Met Office says temperatures could reach 26C in Dartford and parts of north Kent during this period.

Humidity is also predicted to reach as much as 91% throughout the south east in the early hours of Wednesday.

Following a somewhat miserable June so far, there is no rain forecast.

Neil Armstrong, a Met Office chief forecaster, said: “After a brief, less settled, interlude on Friday and Saturday, fine conditions will return by Sunday and into next week.

“For much of the UK this will be accompanied by a boost in temperatures with many places reaching the mid-20°Cs by the middle of next week.

"Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions.

“Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the middle of next week it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds.

“However, whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the finest conditions and highest temperatures so far this year.”