After a soggy start to summer, things could finally be looking up weather-wise, with St Albans potentially experiencing highs of 30 degrees later this week.

The first few week of summer have been a bit of a damp squib with persistent rain blighting the start of the season.

But Met Office forecasts suggest that the area could be set for a change of fortune, as the first weekend of the school summer holidays approaches.

On Friday (July 19) temperatures will be high from the off, with 19 degree heat from 7am.

This will rise to 23 degrees by 10am, before the afternoon sees a sustained period of sunshine.

From 1pm temperatures will rise to around 28 degrees, with the possibility of reaching 30 degrees by mid afternoon.

In Hertfordshire, 28 degrees is the official threshold for a heatwave, although this has to be met for three consecutive days before the Met officially class it as such.

Suggested Reading:

• Hertfordshire: 7 perfect spots to enjoy a picnic this summer

• Met Office: Are we heading for a heatwave in Herts?

On Friday, the weather will hover around the 28 degree mark well into the evening, before dropping to around 21 degrees as the sun goes down at around 10pm. 

It could be a warm night with these levels remaining throughout the early hours of Saturday morning.

Saturday will be another hot day, albeit with a drop off that ends hopes of a true heatwave.

The peak will be at around 25 degrees (perfect for a picnic or a kickabout), but there is the threat of a rain shower or two in the early evening.

Hopes of a longer term heatwave appear set to be dashed on Sunday, with temperatures peaking at a mere 20 degrees, and the sun replaced with plenty of cloud.

There's a chance of rain returning with a vengeance next week, so take advantage of the good weather where you can.

Here’s the hour-by-hour forecast for Friday and Saturday, according to the Met Office:

Friday, July 19:

6am - 17C

7am - 17C

8am - 17C

9am - 18C

10am - 23C

11am - 24C

12pm - 24C

1pm - 28C

2pm - 28C

3pm - 29C

4pm - 30C

5pm - 28C

6pm - 28C

7pm - 27C

8pm - 25C

9pm - 21C

10pm - 21C

Saturday, July 20

6am - 17C

7am - 18C

8am - 18C

9am - 20C

10am - 21C

11am - 22C

12pm - 22C

1pm - 24C

2pm - 24C

3pm - 24C

4pm - 24C

5pm - 22C

6pm - 22C

7pm - 21C

8pm - 21C

9pm - 20C

10pm - 19C