WARM air from Spain is heading for Worcester to bring a sizzling end to the week, with more warm weather to come.

Worcester weatherman Paul Damari is predicting that temperatures will soar back to the levels the city enjoyed at the start of May, when crowds basked in the sun for the Elton John concert at New Road.

He said: "The winds are moving south to south-east and that's going to pull up the Spanish Plume, a zone of hot air that we get up to five times in a good summer."

Temperatures will reach 26-27C (79-81F) today and Friday, rising even higher at the weekend, up to 30C (86F).

Mr Damari added: "It's suncream on and a warning to keep out of the rivers, which are tempting when it's hot, but very dangerous.

"We have only had about 11 per cent of average rainfall in June, so there is a high fire risk. A bottle left behind after a picnic could trigger a fire."

Looking further ahead, Mr Damari said he expected lots of hot weather in August, punctuated by thundery spells.

Meanwhile RSPCA volunteer Diane Hillier, of Kempsey, near Worcester, advised owners to protect pets from the heat.

She said: "We all know we shouldn't leave dogs in hot cars, but rabbits and guinea pigs get forgotten and are very prone to heatstroke."

"Hutches are like ovens. Keep them cool with a plastic bottle of frozen water and make sure the animals have access to a run in a shady, grassy area."