Brits may enjoy the hottest day of the year so far this weekend with highs of 24C possible in parts of the country.
Areas in south-east Wales and around the Bristol Channel are expected to remain warm today and tomorrow with a chance of hitting the 24C highpoint, while other parts of the UK will experience temperatures in the high teens and low 20s.
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said it is unlikely for the weather to remain sunny and dry during a bank holiday, adding that the first "hints of summer" can now be felt.
The meteorologist said: "We're slowly getting there. Hints of summer.
"For a bank holiday weekend it's pretty rare to be that dry and sunny I guess, so we're not doing too bad."
Rain is unlikely to trouble the UK over the next few days, with Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates saying indications are that the dry, bright weather is likely to continue for most – with little rain next week.
The highest temperature in the UK on Friday was in Bainbridge where it reached 22.6C.
Forecasters say the hottest day is yet to come though, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 24C.
The highest temperature of 2023 so far was recorded in Cardiff on Monday at a balmy 23.4C.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said: "The jet stream sitting to the north of the UK is holding unsettled weather systems at bay and allowing high pressure to dominate, bringing fine weather to the vast majority of the UK.
"The current position of the high pressure means we will see a westerly air flow over the UK, a cooler direction than if air was being brought up from the south, and areas such as Spain or Africa.
"Therefore, we are not likely to reach heatwave conditions, but temperatures will still be warm, reaching the low 20s for many, particularly in the South West and southern Wales."
Meanwhile, travel experts are warning of a busy time on the roads.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: "We fully expect families to make the most of the largely fine weather over the coming days which is we’re forecasting the busiest late May bank holiday since before the pandemic.
"Into next week and half term for many parts of the UK, day trips will also be a big feature with popular routes to the coasts and countryside becoming busy.
"Getting away early in the morning or delaying trips until the evening are the best way to avoid the inevitable delays.
"No one wants a breakdown to get in the way of them and time with family and friends, yet so many of the jobs our patrols will go out to are completely avoidable if drivers complete a few checks before they get out onto the open road.
"Ensuring oil and coolant levels are where they should be is a must, as is checking tyres are free of damage and are properly inflated."
People are being advised to take care if they plan to cool off by swimming in rivers or lakes.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have warned that hazards include strong currents, water quality, uneven riverbanks and tombstoning without know the water depth or location of underwater objects
A spokesman said: "The idea of swimming in a river or lake will be appealing to many people during this current spell of warm weather.
"Around 85% of accidental drownings occur at open water sites, and many of these drownings occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of the hazards posed by open water.
"Whilst the benefits of open water swimming are well documented, we feel it’s important to remind potential swimmers of the hazards posed by swimming in open water."
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
A fine day, with plenty of sunshine. However, thicker cloud will slowly edge southwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland, with perhaps a few splashes of rain. Feeling warm, though a little chilly along some coastal stretches of southeast England.
Tonight:
Patchy cloud will continue to move southwards across the UK, though tending to fragment as it does so. Scattered showers possible across northern Scotland. Turning chilly under the clearest skies.
Sunday:
Another dry day, with sunny spells. Thicker cloud developing at times for some eastern parts of England. Feeling cooler here, but warm in the sunshine further south and west.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Largely dry and settled throughout, with sunny spells. However, low cloud could affect the far north and east at times. Feeling warm for most, though cooler towards some eastern coasts.
