Parts of the UK could experience the hottest day of the year on Wednesday as temperatures of up to 22C are forecast.
Many areas will see temperatures warmer than Barcelona and Athens after a period of heavy rain and blustery winds across the country.
The weather is forecast to be dry and warm for most of the UK after colder Arctic air has pushed temperatures down over the last few days.
Met Office presenter Alex Burkill said: “The best of the sunshine, almost wall-to-wall blue skies, will be across the bulk of England and Wales.
“Temperatures are going to rise quite widely and we are going to see them getting into the high-teens…. We are looking at temperatures peaking low 20s… 22C can’t be ruled out.”
Wednesday’s temperatures could beat the current highest temperature of the year, which was recorded in early March, and Northolt in London experienced 19.2C.
Some areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience cloudier weather, milder temperatures, and possibly some light rain.
On Thursday, temperatures will drop slightly for most of the country, but will remain dry and settled. By Friday, the Met Office expects temperatures to cool towards the seasonal average.
Dan Harris, chief Met Office forecaster, said: “This is due to the additional boost expected from the passage of east- to south-easterly winds over areas of higher ground, known as the Foehn effect.
“There’ll be a big diurnal range this week, which is the difference between the maximum daytime temperature and minimum overnight temperature. Thanks to the clear skies during the day, we’ll see some chilly nights after the warmer days with a few places experiencing air frost.”
Met Office weather forecast for the week
Wednesday
Fog patches will clear across England and Wales to leave a warm and sunny day here. Cloudier skies for Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and perhaps northern England, with some light rain possible. Sunshine and showers for the rest of Scotland.
Overnight
Clear, with a few fog patches forming during the early hours. Thicker cloud across southern Scotland may give the odd spot of light rain. Turning chilly, with a rural frost.
Thursday
After a chilly start, most will have a warm and sunny day with light winds. However, some southern parts of Scotland and northern England will once again remain rather cloudy.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
Dry with sunny spells for many as we move into the weekend. The risk of rain across northern Scotland on Saturday, perhaps more widely in the north on Sunday. Turning cooler.
