THE UK is set to record this year's hottest temperatures as parts of the North-East are set to be warmer that the French Riviera.

The Met Office has updated its forecast for the UK ahead of a spell of warm weather which is expected to last all week.

Starting today, temperatures are set to rise into the mid-20s continuing right through to the weekend.

According to The Met Office, parts of Teesside will record the highest temperatures in our region this week.

Middlesbrough and Stockton areas will see highs of 29c on Wednesday - while Darlington will see highs of 28c. 

These areas will be warmer than temperatures expected in Nice on the French Riviera, which is expected to see highs of 27c tomorrow.

When to expect the hottest day in your part of the region:

- Stockton - 29c - Wednesday

- Middlesbrough - 29c - Wednesday

- Darlington - 28c - Wednesday 

- Eaglescliffe - 28c - Wednesday

- Durham - 27c - Wednesday

- Chester-le-Street - 27c - Wednesday

- Gateshead - 27c - Wednesday

- Newton Aycliffe - 27c - Wednesday

- Bishop Auckland - 27c - Wednesday

- Redcar - 26c - Wednesday

- Hartlepool - 26c - Wednesday

- Crook - 26c - Wednesday

- Consett and Stanley - 25c - Wednesday

- Sunderland -  25c -Tuesday 
 

What is a heatwave?

The Met Office says that a heatwave is an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity. 

A UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.