UK weather forecast: Brits can finally break out picnic blankets as 20C spring arrives

Could spring finally be here to stay?

After a disappointing end to April that saw temperatures plunge back down into wintry lows, May looks set to usher in a new wave of warm, sunny weather.

In less than a week's time the heat will be turned up a few notches and could last longer than the most recent 'mini-heatwave', with a sustained period of nine days expected to bring dry and sunny weather to the UK.

Temperatures will start to heat up from May 5 when it is hoped it will get as warm as 20C and continue in the same dry and sunny pattern for some time.

Some proper sunny spring weather could finally be on the cards (REUTERS)

Today's bank holiday Monday will be a mixed bag weather-wise, with cloudy weather for some while other parts of the country can expect some sunny intervals and warmer temperatures than Sunday.

Northern England and southern Scotland are likely to see some scattered showers develop.

Those showers will largely die out come evening although southern Scotland, northern and eastern England will find it hard to stay dry for long.

Warm and sunny spells are expected on Tuesday (Graham Hunt/BNPS)

Things will start picking up from Tuesday with the southwest being treated to warm, sunny spells.

Wednesday will hit the breaks a little with some heavy rain and thunder expected in the early afternoon, but things will clear up relatively quickly as the weather becomes "rather warm" for much of the country, according to the Met Office.

And things are only looking up from there!

MyLondon reports that from May 5 the capital is set to get drunk on sun with nine days of straight heat with no rain.

Brits can expect a long dry run of heat with no rain (PA)

Thursday will bring balmy 18C highs with a bit of cloud, so expect the evenings to stay warm.

The mercury should hit 19C in time for the end of the week and then move up to 20C over the weekend.

The mini-heatwave will continue during the following week and could stick around for a while - here's hoping.

It's time to soak up the sun at last (PA)

UK forecast for the next 5 days

Rather cloudy with some showers. Warmer than Sunday for most.

Today:

Rather cloudy, but also some sunny intervals and warmer than Sunday away from the northeast. Any rain in southwest clearing, then scattered showers developing, particularly northern England and southern Scotland.

Tonight:

Most showers dying out but some persisting over southern Scotland, northern and eastern England. Mostly cloudy but a few clear spells. Chilly in northeast and some fog patches in southwest.

Tuesday:

Mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain and showers at times. Cool in the east but feeling warm in sunny spells in southwest.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Showery rain pushes east Weds, with showers potentially heavy/thundery in the east for a time early afternoon. Thereafter, variable cloud and some occasional rain/showers. Becoming rather warm/warm for many.