Britain is set to bake in temperatures as high as 26C this weekend despite summer still officially weeks away.
If predictions are correct, today will see the hottest day of the year so far - and it'll most likely come in the Midlands, according to BBC weather charts.
That current record was made over the Easter bank holiday weekend when 23.4C was recorded in St James Park in Central London.
The mercury has been rising over the past few days as the unsettled weather slowly makes way for a North African plume with hot air moving up from the south.
But the Met Office has also issued a warning that there could be showers and thunderstorms in the evenings on Saturday and Sunday.
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The hot temperatures make it warmer than holiday hotspots in Spain like Barcelona or Ibiza.
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: "The plume of warm air we have been expecting from the south will bring higher temperatures across the whole country over the next week.
"However, it looks like the effects from the Atlantic lows will prevent sustained high pressure building from the east.
"This means that while we might see some warm - and in places very warm - days, overall the next week will feel more like what we would expect of a warm spell in May, with some heavy showers around, rather than hot summery weather."
Scotland
Scotland is expected to be sunny at intervals but with clouds and a moderate breeze.
Temperatures could peak at around 18C in the likes of Edinburgh from around 2pm on Saturday.
The mercury will then build up to similar temperatures tomorrow before rain arrives from around 9pm.
North East
Temperatures will hit around 17 and 18C from midday on Saturday.
However, cloud and light breeze will mean consistent bright sunshine won't be maintained until around 5pm.
On Sunday, things will drop off as temperatures peak at around 15C and rain arrives in the late afternoon.
North West
The likes of Manchester will see 19C this afternoon from around 2pm, with cloud clearing by 5pm and seeing temperatures rise further to 20C.
On Sunday, temperatures are expected to reach around 17C but much of the morning and early afternoon will see light rain and drizzle.
From around 3pm it should be drier but heavy cloud coverage means there will be little sunshine breaking through.
Midlands
From sunrise until at least 3pm today, the Midlands will be baking with temperatures peaking at 26C heat amid clear and bright sunshine.
By the early evening, clouds and light rain could move in but temperatures are expected to remain high for some time after.
Tomorrow is expected to see an overcast start but by 1pm the sun will break out for several hours, though the mercury won't likely go any higher than 17C.
Wales
Much of Wales will be characterised by sunny intervals this morning before clouds clear from around 4pm and temperatures peak at 21C.
By 8pm, overcast skies will return.
Tomorrow will be a mixture of cloud, rain and mostly mild temperatures, but parts could see 17C from around 2pm.
London
London is likely to see bright sunshine and clear skies for much of today.
Temperatures will peak at 21C around 3pm.
Tomorrow could be just as hot but with any sun blocked out by heavy clouds, before light rain arrives around 8pm.
South East
Long spells of hazy sunshine are expected this afternoon, after a dry start.
Inland areas could see 22C, with temperatures cooler around the coast.
Overnight the cloud will build and heavy, thundery downpours are on the cards - but should stay warm on Sunday with highs of 19C.
South West
Saturday will see plenty of dry, settled weather despite some patchy cloud, and highs of around 19C.
Into the afternoon, there could be some moderate breeze and showery outbreaks of rain which turn thundery.
Tomorrow is expected to reach around 20C after a damp start is replaced with sunny spells - but more thundery showers are on the cards in the evening.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Light rain and drizzle across northern Scotland slowly clearing. Dry elsewhere with plenty of warm sunshine and light winds. Some showery rain reaching parts of southwest England toward evening.
Tonight:
Northern Britain staying dry with clear spells. Showery rain in the southwest, heavy at times with a small chance of thunder, moving slowly northeastwards.
Sunday:
Cloud and outbreaks of rain moving northwards across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. Turning brighter in the south and feeling warm and humid.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Warm with showers or longer spells of rain at times, thundery at times. Best of the dry, sunny weather in the SE. Some eastern coasts cooler and misty.
