After a bitingly cold week with frost and snow and sub-zero temperatures, the UK will bask in sunny skies this weekend.
Friday will see the start of rising temperatures and forecasters predict that there will be highs of up to 17 C in the coming days.
Average temperatures will stay in the mid-teens as the freakishly cold April finally starts to warm up.
Forecasters said that while the early morning will be cold plenty of sunshine is expected over the coming days which will lead to warmer climates and higher temperatures than seen recently.
Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said: "Another cold morning on Friday to wake up to but for all of us it's going to be a dry day with sunny spells, especially during the morning."
He added: "For the vast majority it's just looking dry with spells of sunshine and it's going to feel a little warmer compared to previous days. "
In the early morning temperatures will stay below zero, dipping to lows of minus 6 C in some remote areas of Scotland.
But as the day goes on the mercury is expected to soar, in comparison with the biting cold of recent days. There will be temperatures between 12 and 14 C in many areas.
In parts of Scotland the temperature will peak at about 16 C, forecasters said.
And the start of the weekend promises to be bright with 'plenty of sunny skies' and temperatures between 13 and 16 C in most areas, peaking at 17 C in some spots.
The balmy weather comes on the first weekend after restrictions for pubs and shops were lifted on Monday.
Brits are expected to spend a staggering amount of cash and reports say five million pints are set to be downed on Friday.
UK Weather Forecast
Today:
Early fog patches clearing, then the vast majority of the UK will see a mixture of broken cloud and sunny spells. Feeling quite warm in light winds. Cloudier and breezier in the far northwest with some rain later.
Tonight:
Clearing skies for most, allowing a widespread frost to develop as well as a few fog patches. Cloudier in the far northwest with a little light rain for a time.
Saturday:
Cloud and light rain clearing from northern Scotland, else another dry day with patchy cloud and some sunshine for many.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Cloud and outbreaks of rain affecting Northern Ireland and Scotland on Sunday and Monday, moving southeast on Tuesday. Otherwise, dry, settled with sunny spells and overnight frost.
