THE heatwave could bring record temperatures to York and North Yorkshire this week.

Temperatures today were expected to reach about 27 degrees Celsius (81 Fahrenheit) in York, and between 22 and 23 C (72/73F) on North Yorkshire's coast.

"There will be a cool breeze in places like Scarborough and Whitby, which should make things a bit more comfortable," A PA weather spokeswoman said.

Wednesday could see the thermometer top 100F for the first time in the UK.

The current record, 37.1C (99F) was reached in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on August 3, 1990.

The spokeswoman continued: "There is a good chance of the record being broken. The hot weather looks set to continue for the rest of the week and into the weekend.

"We are benefiting from a nice south-easterly wind blowing in from over the warm continent. It is nothing unusual, it is typical for a British summer to get at least one hot spell, although we don't see the very high temperatures every year."

The only chance of rain was in the south west, where there could be isolated downpours today and tomorrow.

The hottest day so far this year saw 33.6C (91F) recorded at Wisley, Surrey, on July 15.

Beautiful weekend weather saw sun seekers flock to the usual popular York spots on Saturday and yesterday, including the Museum Gardens, Rowntree Park and the river frontage of The King's Arms pub, in King's Staith.

Updated: 11:29 Monday, August 04, 2003