SOMERSET could be basking in temperatures as high as 30C this week.

The Met Office has predicted heatwave across the country this week, with temperatures reaching the same levels as the likes of Rome and the south of France.

It comes after the driest May since records began - in 1862 - which saw an average of just 9.7mm in the UK.

On Wednesday, a Met Office forecaster said we could expect 'copious amounts' of sunshine.

"(It will be) a very hots summers day with copious amounts of sunshine on offer," they said.

"Some fair weather clouds may pop up during the afternoon, though it will remain dry."

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Maximum temperatures could hit 30C, they added, although the heat could 'break' on Friday.

"Thursday remains very hot and mostly sunny, though the heat may spark some large thunderstorms on Friday," the forecaster added.

"Feeling cooler on Saturday under more cloud and a keen breeze."