Brits will begin to bake inside a fortnight with temperatures starting to really climb from Saturday onwards.
A heatwave could be heading our way from around mid-May, the Met Office have confirmed with mercury forecast to hit 23C.
It comes as the three-month outlook suggests the chances of ‘hot weather’ are double that of previous years, bringing hope that a sizzling summer could be on the cards following last year's washout.
Meteorologist Marco Petagna said the weather could get "very warm" by the month's third week, with temperatures peaking in the south of England - and we could be basking in the heat for up to nine days, it is expected.
“Temperatures are several degrees above where they should be at this time of year,” he said.
He added there was a “small chance” that temperatures could rise into the mid-20s, meaning a “brief” heatwave.
The hottest temperature so far this year was set on Good Friday in St James' Park, London, where they recorded a high of 23.4C.
Encouragingly, the Met Office’s three-month summer outlook states: “There is an increase in the likelihood of warmer-than-average conditions in the month ahead.
“Predictions are consistent in suggesting an increase in the likelihood of temperatures being above average overall.
“While this doesn’t necessarily mean heatwaves will occur, it does increase the likelihood of heatwaves compared to normal.”
Exacta Weather’s James Madden said: “There is now the potential for a major spell of warm weather to develop during the latter part of May or early June.”
But we'll have to wait - the warmth won't begin to arrive until the weekend.
Cold air flooding in from the Arctic threatens gloomy skies, chilly temperatures and even snow until Saturday.
"Good news for parks, gardens and also farmland, we are seeing some rain over the next few days certainly after a dry April. This is welcome rain and it will also mean with a canopy of cloud, temperatures will be relatively mild for this time of the year," said Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir.
Looking at mid-May the Met Office states: "Dry weather is likely for most throughout much of this period, bringing variable cloud and sunny spells to most areas.
"Northern regions are more likely to see a scattering of showers at the start, interspersed by bands of more persistent or heavier rain at times."
Bookies are already slashing the odds on a sensational four months ahead with Coral offering 5-4 from 3-2 on this summer steaming into the record books.
Spokesman John Hill said: “The betting is pointing to a record hot summer this year in the UK.
“After what has been an unsettled couple of weeks, it is something to look forward to.”
