The UK is in for a hot bank holiday weekend, with temperatures expected to soar to the highest they have been since the start of the year.
The Met Office has predicted highs of 24C, with an area of high pressure over the UK leading to settled, fine and sunny conditions extending across the weekend through to Monday and into the following week.
The highest temperature of 2023 was recorded in Cardiff on Monday at a balmy 23.4C.
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge revealed that highs of 24C are expected in southeast Wales on Saturday and Sunday, with other areas of the UK set to bask in the early 20s.
Forecaster Steven Keates has said that it is unlikely there will be any rain over the next few days, and conditions will be mostly dry. Met Office chief forecaster, Paul Gundersen, has reported that conditions will be stable, as unsettled weather systems are currently being held at bay.
He 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.”
Today will see similar conditions, as ITV weather forecaster Lucy Verasamy has said there will be a “clear and crisp start to Friday morning” and that temperatures will feel cool and fresh under cloudy areas, which are set to dissipate as the day goes on.
Temperatures will warm up by the afternoon to highs of 22 or 23 in the sunshine.
UK weather forecast:
Today:
Variable cloud expected throughout the day, with some lengthy sunny spells, especially across parts of southern England. Conditions will be cloudier across Scotland with some patchy drizzle. Fresh winds are expected along northern and southern coasts.
Tonight:
It will be largely dry, with long clear spells. However, areas of cloud will linger in Wales and north-eastern England. Thicker cloud and some light rain will move into the far north-west by dawn.
Saturday:
High pressure will become established over the UK, with conditions set to be mostly fine and settled.
Southern England will have plenty of sunshine, whereas the north will be cloudier and breezier, especially in the north west. Northern Scotland will see cloudy skies with some drizzle.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Sunday will become increasingly cloudy with a few spots of light rain in places. Monday looks to be largely sunny across the UK. Temperatures will be warm, but evenings will feel cooler.
