ONE of the hottest day of the year so far is expected to his Sussex this week.

High pressures from Africa have moved North to southern Europe, with Spain seeing temperatures of 40C in recent days.

These pressures are expected to continue North, bringing the UK the highest temperatures for this season in more than 40 years, according to meteorologists.

Netweather is forecasting “record-breaking temperatures” of around 36C in the South East of England, mainly Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and London.

These high temperatures could surpass the last highest temperature recorded in the UK during this time of year, which was seen back in 1976.

Netweather said: “Operational forecast runs from the ECMWF and GFS are suggesting the potential for record-breaking temperatures of around 35 to 36C in the South East.

“For comparison, the UK record temperature for June is 35.6C, set in Southampton on June 28, 1976, during a famous hot spell.”

However, other meteorologists don’t see temperatures reaching record highs.

Met Office said the UK, particularly the South, is likely to have hot, dry weather in the coming week.

On Friday, June 17, parts of Sussex including Crawley and East Grinstead are expected to be the warmest parts of the county, hitting 29C according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, Hastings is set to enjoy highs of 25C, while Brighton, Worthing and Eastbourne will be slightly cooler at 24C.

In Brighton and Hove, Monday will develop into a mostly fine and dry day, with large amounts of cloud, according to the Met Office.

Some sunny spells are expected in the afternoon, with a maximum temperature of 23C.

On Tuesday, temperatures will reach 25C, with lengthy spells of sunshine and only light winds.

From Wednesday to Friday, it will stay fine and dry throughout, with variable amounts of cloud and some lengthy spells of sunshine.

It will become “very warm, or potentially hot” by Thursday and Friday.