Wirral's Mediterranean weather spell is set to arrive at its peak on Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach a very un-British 30 degrees.

Birkenhead will be the hottest place on the peninsula - on a par with The Algarve's Albufeira - but coastal areas will only be a sweat bead behind, as the borough bakes in stifling heat.

The Met Office says: "Any early low cloud or fog clearing through the morning with plenty of sunshine to follow.

"Some cloud developing during the afternoon with some isolated, possibly thundery showers. Feeling hot. Maximum temperature 30°C."

Friday looks like another scorcher, with a high of 25 degrees, before dropping to a more tolerable 21 degrees at the weekend.

Don't forget to put plenty of sun cream on and keep an eye on your pets!