Warm temperatures are expected well into the bank holiday weekend, forecasters have said.
After they hit low-to-mid-20s over the royal wedding weekend, this week will be largely dry and sunny with the mercury several degrees higher than the May average, according to the Met Office.
“There’s a chance that we may continue with the dry and bright weather,” said spokeswoman Nicola Maxie. "The confidence is fairly low because it’s a long way out."
While Northern Ireland and Scotland will see a wet start to the week, the showers and clouds are expected to be largely gone by Wednesday. Aberdeen can expect temperatures in the high teens while thermometers in Glasgow may hit the low 20s.
The balmy conditions have swept in on a high pressure system, dragging in hot air from the continent, meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said.
Scattered showers across England and Wales should largely subside early in the week, though there is a risk of some isolated thunderstorms across central and southern England as it goes on.
Ms Maxey warned that the heavy, slow-moving thunderstorms could linger in southern, central parts of the country which are to see higher temperatures.
“If you’re getting one you could be under it for a while,” she said.
Heading into the weekend, London and the south-east could see temperatures between up to 25C, she added.
As the days progress it will grow cooler along the North Sea coasts owing to a north-easterly wind.
“On Sunday we had a high of 24C and that was in Sheffield and the day before we had 23C – usually in May we expect highs of around 17C," Mr Dewhurst said. “Temperatures in the low to mid 20s should continue for this week, with quite widespread warmth across the country.
“But an easterly wind will make it feel a bit cooler across the North Sea coast as we move on. Ultra violet levels are generally high across the UK as well, so people should make sure they’re protected from the sun.”
Additional reporting by PA
