BASINGSTOKE is set to bask in temperatures in the mid-to-upper 20s this weekend, with conditions similar to that of the Canary Islands.

A mini-heatwave is forecast across much of south east England over the next couple of days, with hours of glorious sunshine across the region.

Temperatures could reach as high 26°C on Monday afternoon, and residents could enjoy more than 16 and a half hours of blue skies on Monday alone.

Today, Saturday, temperatures could reach 23°C, with some cloudy cover but still feeling nice and warm in the sun, the latest Met Office forecast reveals.

Temperatures will ramp up again on Sunday, possibly hitting 25°C or even higher in North Hampshire.

Monday is set to be the hottest day of this heat wave, with temperatures reaching 26°C and the chance of rain less than 5 per cent.

It will feel uncomfortably hot however, with temperatures at 10pm on Monday around 19°C and not falling below 13°C overnight.

With the summer solstice just over a week away, there will also be long days to enjoy, with the sun set to rise in this part of the world at around 4.45am and not setting again until 9.20pm - meaning over 16 and a half hours of daylight.

However, if you are heading out in the sun, be careful, as UV levels are set to be very high on Sunday and Monday, according to the Met Office.

Meanwhile, pollen levels are also forecast to be very high.