Met Office verdict on whether heatwave will reach Greater Manchester

The Met Office has delivered its verdict on whether a heatwave will be recorded in Greater Manchester over the coming days.

The weather agency has warned that some areas of the UK could see temperatures hit a scorching 34C as the hot weather peaks on Monday.

Forecasters said warm air will move up from Europe on Saturday and through Sunday and Monday, before temperatures dip again on Tuesday to average levels for this time of year.

READ MORE: Met Office predicts 34C hot spell but warns of thunderstorm 'threat' for parts of UK

Unfortunately, the hot spell is set to be intense, but very brief. Asked whether a heatwave could be recorded in Greater Manchester, Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said the region was likely to only see two days of high temperatures.

For an official heatwave to be recorded, the temperature has to hit a certain threshold for three days in a row. Thresholds are different for each region and in Manchester it has to be 25C or more to be classed as a heatwave.

Mr Madge told the Manchester Evening News: "Across parts of the north-west we are expecting to see temperatures rise to 25C or perhaps even a degree or so higher on Sunday and Monday bringing fine and pleasant conditions for many. However, the temperatures on Saturday and Tuesday aren’t expected to climb as high."

He added: "The fact that we aren’t anticipating a heatwave in the north-west shouldn’t disappoint people as Monday, especially, will be one of the warmest spells for the region this year."

However, he also warned that "intense thunderstorms" will likely impact the region as a result of the high temperatures. "A factor to contend with on Sunday night and Monday is the possibility of intense thunderstorms affecting the UK," he