Warmer spring weather has arrived in the UK, with temperatures expected to rise above 20C this weekend, making parts of the country hotter than Ibiza, Athens or the South of France, forecasters have suggested.
High pressure brings sunshine
The bright dry weather began in earnest on Tuesday, but easterly winds have kept temperatures low. However, by the weekend, winds are expected to fall somewhat, meaning that the mercury could rise further for many areas.
Met Office meteorologist Aiden McGivern said: "We still do have high pressure across the UK keeping things dry and keeping things sunny for most. But with this easterly component to the wind we have seen low cloud creep inland and that low cloud is now pushing back towards the coast. So inland, for the vast majority, sunny skies."
On Friday it will be "not entirely calm" he said. "There'll be a brisk wind blowing across the south and southwest in particular. Gusts into the mid-40s – miles per hour – just to the west of Dartmoor may make it feel cooler."
But elsewhere temperatures will slowly move up to hit the high teens and low twenties, with some estimates suggesting highs of around 23C could be recorded.
UV levels and overnight chill
Mr McGivern warned that UV levels are also expected to be high. "The sun is strong so do bear that in mind if you're spending long periods outdoors," he said. "High pressure continues to be in charge. A lot of dry and bright weather to come."
But while daytime temperatures rise, overnight temperatures will still struggle. Overnight temperatures on Friday could fall as low as freezing in parts of the north of England, and low single figures across Scotland and the rest of Britain. This means "Saturday starts with some local chilly mornings, but sunshine will again allow temperatures to rise," the Met Office said. "Northern Scotland may notice a fresher feel as a weak low-pressure system moves through Scandinavia, briefly introducing northerly winds," it added.
This will most likely affect the far north, while most areas further south will be hit by warm conditions inland.
Sunday peak and comparison
"By Sunday, winds are generally light once more, and temperatures build again for many, with highs in the low 20s possible and isolated spots reaching 22 or 23C."
This means temperatures will be above those expected in Nice in the south of France, which is forecast to see highs of 18C on Sunday, and also in Ibiza where temperatures will reach 20C on Saturday.
The Met Office also said confidence was "high" that the good weather will last, saying that their models indicated "a strong and consistent signal that high pressure will remain the dominant feature into next week."
