Brits are being urged not to take cold showers from Thursday onwards as temperatures are expected to soar into the 30s towards the end of the week. The Met Office forecasts that the hot weather will make return from Wednesday, July 9, with it “creeping up towards heatwave criteria as the week continues”.

Temperatures can climb up to 30C on Thursday, before increasing to 32C on Friday. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley said: “By this stage, heatwave criteria are likely to be met in parts of England and Wales, and in parts of Scotland over the weekend.”

While many people will choose to take cold showers to cool themselves down in the scorching conditions, experts advise against this method. Tepid showers are better.

Professor Mike Tipton, of the University of Plymouth, said: “The trick is to try and get the skin as cool as possible whilst maintaining maximum blood flow to it. Too cold and your body will shut down blood to the skin and trap heat in the body making it harder to get out.”

Placing an ice pack or cold water bottle on your body can provide an instant feeling of relief. However, it is best to wrap it in a towel to avoid direct contact with your skin, reports the BBC.

Other ways to help yourself stay cool during the hot weather is to try and wear natural fibres such as cotton and linen as it will help regulate body temperature. Choosing loose-fitting clothing will also allow more room for breeze to cool you down.

As the UK moves further into the summer season, higher temperatures are likely to stay around for longer, so it is crucial that Brits are doing what they can to keep cool and safe during the hot weather.

The Met Office‘s Dan Holley added: “High temperatures are likely to persist into the weekend, especially away from coasts with onshore winds, reaching the low 30s in portions of England and Wales, and accompained by rising humidity and warmer nights.

“This heatwave is likely to last longer than previous ones so far this summer, and affect a wider area, with the focus for some of the highest temperatures displaced across more central and western areas at times. In addition, pollen and UV levels will also be very high in some areas.”