HEREFORDSHIRE has been basking in beautiful sunshine this week, with temperatures soaring into the 20s. 

But is the heat here to stay and is a heatwave on the way? Here's what you need to know.

What is a heatwave?

The Met Office says a heatwave is declared when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.

The threshold varies by UK county, and in Herefordshire that is 26°C. This means that so far this week, the heatwave threshold has not been met in Herefordshire, with maximum temperatures in the county, according to the Credenhill gauge, reaching 23°C yesterday and 22°C on Wednesday.

What is the Herefordshire forecast?

So will Herefordshire be getting a heatwave? Here's what the Met Office says is in store.

High pressure continues to dominate today, the Met Office said, bringing a dry day with plenty of sunny spells, although perhaps the odd shower through the afternoon.

It will feel very warm in the sunshine, with a maximum temperature of 24 °C during the day and a minimum temperature of 9 °C overnight.

Saturday will remain dry with blue skies, plenty of sunshine, and a maximum temperature of 24 °C.

But change is on the way on Sunday, the Met Office said, with heavy and thundery showers likely on Sunday before rain and blustery winds, along with lower temperatures, return on Monday and Tuesday.