The dismal May weather looks set to take a turn for the better – with the mercury predicted to top 20C in parts of the UK just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.
After weeks of downpours and below-average temperatures, forecasters are predicting a brighter end to the month.
London and central parts of England could see temperatures climb to as much as 23C over the weekend.
The last time temperatures were as high was on March 30, with 24.5C recorded in London.
Other parts of the South East, Wales and the North West are predicted to see top temperatures of around 20C.
Oli Claydon, from the Met Office, said: “Showers will start to ease and temperatures will increase over the bank holiday.
“There’ll be highs of up to 23C for central parts of England and possibly into London.
“There is a slow progression towards warmer and drier conditions.”
Wet weather has dominated the forecast this month, with Wales recording 200.7mm of rain – double the monthly average – making it the wettest May in records dating back to 1862.
Dorset, Bristol and eastern parts of Scotland have also been particularly hard-hit by downpours.
Across the UK, it has been the 10th wettest May on record, according to Met Office figures.
Despite some respite over the weekend it looks like the sunny spell could be short-lived, with forecasters warning showers and cooler weather could return early next week.
