AFTER months of wet weather people can finally start to look forward to bright skies after forecasters predicted temperatures would hit nearly 30C (84F) this week.

Instead of raincoats and wellies, suncream and shorts will be more fitting for the week’s hot weather.

In the week when the Olympic Games begins in London on Friday, forecasters are warning people to go out and enjoy the rare sunshine as it’s unlikely to last to the weekend.

Weatherquest forecaster Phil Garner said: “At long last we will have some fine and hot weather. It will be a fine week with a chance of some showers coming back on Friday.

“We should see temperatures of 28 to 29C (82-84F) in inland areas on Tuesday. There will be some showery weather at the weekend. The middle of next week should see some warmer weather. The message is to enjoy it while it lasts.”

Yesterday saw a bright and sunny day with temperatures reaching up to 23C (74F). Widespread flooding, the wettest period of April to June on record, and more heavy rain so far this month has been caused by the jet stream settling unusually far south.

But the change in weather is because of high pressure building in the south-west of the country.

Bookies have been taking bets on what the next few weeks will bring, with some offering odds of 3/1 that it is raining during the Olympic opening ceremony.

They are also offering odds of 12/1 that a temperature of more than 38C (100F) will be registered in the UK while the Games takes place.