The first day of spring could be the hottest of the year so far, which is good news for anybody planning to celebrate by stepping out into the countryside.
Temperatures may reach as high as 21°C in London on Thursday, 21 March, coinciding with the spring equinox — when daylight and darkness are nearly equal in length.
Parts of the UK could be hotter than Barcelona and Athens, where highs of 15C and 12C are forecast respectively.
If temperatures do climb into the twenties, it could make Thursday the hottest day of the year so far for some — after a peak of 19.7C in Crosby, Merseyside, on March 9.
Read also: London weather: Capital to be hotter than the Algarve this week as temperatures hit 21C
Marco Petagna, at the Met Office, said: "Temperatures have already started to pick up in places, but the trend to warmer temperatures is going to continue for the next few days now.
"And then for Thursday, probably the peak of the warmth, and a lot of fine weather around.”
The weather will cool into Friday before some rainy weather starts over the weekend — but it is a good start to spring and a chance to catch the druids in London.
Where and when to see the druids in London
The Druid Order is a neopagan group that meets to discuss philosophy and mythology and maintain a connection to the Earth.
They gather for equinox events three times a year in different locations.
Anyone is welcome to watch the spring equinox ceremony on Thursday. The London Introverts Social Club group has posted full details on Meetup if you would like company and a coffee afterwards.
They will gather at Tower Hill Terrace, London EC3R 5BJ, from 11.45am and the public can observe the ceremony and rituals of the event.
The Druid Order will meet one hour earlier at All Hallows By the Tower to begin their walk to the site.
