The North East is to experience a mini-heatwave this week - with the hottest day of the year so far.
With spring in full swing temperatures are set to be as high as 23C in the region on Wednesday.
The soaring temperatures will test the UK's resolve as people are asked to adhere to social distancing rules.
Members of the public are now able to take part in unlimited exercise, enjoy picnics and sunbathing, and meet up with people from other households outside while remaining two metres apart.
The Met Office said the east of England will be hottest, but the whole of the UK should be well above 20C.
Durham is expected to be the hottest place in the North East, with the mercury expected to hit 23C.
Meteorologist Matthew Box added: "It's going to be very hot for large parts of England for most of the week, reaching highs of 27C (80.6F) on Wednesday, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far.
"This will occur due to large areas of high pressure, combined with southerly winds from the continent, bringing with it, pleasant sunshine, dry skies and warmer air."
It comes after the UK experienced its hottest April in six years during lockdown.
Here's what the Met Office says the weather will be like in the North East this week:
Monday
Cloudy to start with scattered showers from early morning.
Showers will be heavier in the west but will gradually ease towards afternoon as some sunny spells develop. Brisk westerlies. Maximum temperature 16°C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with showers gradually clearing to start. Fine and clear spells will develop into the afternoon and staying largely fine and dry to evening. Light winds. Maximum temperature 18°C.
Wednesday to Friday
Largely fine and dry on Wednesday with light winds. Outbreaks of rain early on Thursday followed by drier spells later. Friday will see more unsettled weather with outbreaks of rain. Maximum temperature 23°C.
