It's been a miserable few weeks full of rainy days but the downpours are set to end next week with a glorious return to sunny skies and hot conditions according to the latest Met Office forecast.

Though this weekend is still going to be wet for many, hot weather conditions will be back across much of Britain from Wednesday, June 11, according to the latest Met Office forecasts. Consequently, everyone who needs to keep their house cool will be looking for ways to keep the heat out - which experts advise includes closing curtains in the peak of the hot weather.

On Wednesday, June 11, conditions are set to peak at 27C in London as well as several other parts of the UK, and even 24C to 25C up north in Sheffield, and 22C in Edinburgh in Scotland, as the grey rain is cleared out by a warmer front. The weather will gradually warm up through the next week, with 21C forecast for Monday, then 24C on Tuesday before peaking at 27C on Wednesday.

Temperatures will then drop back down to 25C on Thursday, the forecaster has predicted.

Due to typical British homes being designed to retain heat for our generally mild climate and chilly winters, our homes are ill-prepared for extreme heat, quickly transforming into uncomfortably hot and humid sweat boxes.

And for the very young and very old, even 27C can be a big problem. The NHS along with The Lullaby Trust says in its guidance on temperatures for babies and young children: "A room temperature of 16–20C is ideal for your baby, when growing up in the UK. This feels quite cold to a lot of people, so using a room thermometer can help check the temperature. If you are using light bedding such as sheets and blankets, they should be tucked in carefully with no loose ends that could obstruct your baby’s breathing. Similarly, baby sleeping bags should be well fitted, especially around the neck and arms."

Official guidance also warns that excessively high indoor temperatures can pose serious health risks, including the threat of heat stroke.

Advice previously issued by energy supplier British Gas tells households how they can cut the heat from building up in their house by closing curtains during the day.

It says, in its advice on how to keep your house cool in hot weather: "Tempting as it might be to throw your windows open during a heatwave, leaving them shut when the day is at its hottest will keep the house cool. So try to only let the air in early, or late, in the day.

"Light coloured blinds and curtains made of a weightier fabric offer the best heat-blocking potential, so go for these if you’re thinking of updating yours – but keep hold of any darker ones that you replace, so you can switch back once the temperature drops to keep the heat in. Keep these closed during the day too to keep your house cool in summer."

British Gas also stresses that households can close and open doors tactically. It says: "If you’re using a fan, closing off unused rooms during the day will keep the house cool in summer by focusing your cooling efforts where you’ll feel them the most. Similarly, opening your doors in the evening will get the air flowing and stop your home feeling stuffy."

As well as keeping your house cool, keeping yourself cool is important. It adds: "Wear loose, lightweight clothing made of natural fibres like cotton and linen. Use an icepack, chilled hot water bottle or cold cloth on your wrists and feet for an instant cold hit. And if it’s really stuffy inside, consider a dehumidifier. It’ll pull the moisture out of the air and let your skin breathe better."

The Met Office UK forecast for the period June 10 to 19 says: "Into the second half of next week, there is potential for some warm or hot weather to develop, particularly in the south and east, although this may be accompanied by heavy showers and thunderstorms.

"Into the middle of June, high pressure may become more dominant. This could bring periods of fine and dry weather, especially in south and temperatures rising above normal, although some thundery outbreaks remain possible."