TEMPERATURES of 25C have been forecast to hit the UK next week as a mini-heatwave continues to bring hot weather to these shores.
The next few days will see warm weather and clear skies as the mercury climbs into the mid-20s for the week ahead, with Brits enjoying fine weather on the first weekend that lockdown restrictions were eased.
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The warm-up will begin over the weekend with some forecasters predicting temperatures to be more akin to mid-summer by next week.
Monday could see highs of 23C while temperatures could hit 25C on Wednesday.
Met Office meteorologist John Griffiths told Sun Online that conditions were "generally going to be dry and fine".
MINI HEATWAVE
He said: "It will gradually warm up over the next few days. Monday could see a high of 22C - possibly 23C - in the south east, Mr Griffiths explained.
"England and Wales could see temperatures exceeding 20C and as high as 23C in some spots as temperatures keep climbing throughout the week."
BBC meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker said: "The temperatures, on Sunday, given a bit of sunshine in the south of the country could exceed 20 degrees and the current indications are that as we head into next week it's going to feel like June or July."
...As we head into next week it's going to feel like June or July.
Meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker
Met Office weather maps show temperatures hitting 23C in London by Tuesday, with similar sunny conditions throughout the south east. Temperatures are likely to hit 25C on Wednesday.
Meteorologist Nicola Maxey said: "We are slowly seeing day-on-day warming and we are seeing temperatures pick up, certainly by Sunday in London when we'll see temperatures of 20 or 21C."
She added: "By the time we get to the middle of next week, temperatures will be in the 20s and we could even start seeing them up towards the mid-20s.
"We will be seeing the return of warmer weather and temperatures above average for this time of year."
SUNNY & DRY
Although some rain and showers is predicated in the north, the rest of the country should remain mainly dry over the weekend.
The outlook for Sunday to Tuesday will be "increasingly warm with long sunny periods", the Met Office predicts.
Similar predictions were echoed by the national weather service's long range report, which said: "Temperatures look to take an upward trend over the next two weeks with most areas becoming warm, especially in the south and east.
"Most places should remain largely dry with plenty of brightness or sunshine as well as light winds."
The conditions are a relief from the cold snap experienced this week with overnight temperatures on Thursday plummeting well below zero in some areas.
Katesbridge in Northern Ireland saw its lowest temperature ever recorded in May on Thursday morning at minus 6.1C, The Met Office reported.
The change in temperature will be a good excuse for Brits to make the most of unlimited exercise and sunbathing opportunities in public parks and beaches.
The UK has seen some great weather in the past few weeks, despite lockdown restrictions limiting Brits to leaving the house for essentials only.
And with many beauty spots reopening across the country, people will be heading to beaches and natural parks to enjoy the sunshine on next week's Bank Holiday weekend.
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Under new Government guidelines, Brits can now travel anywhere in England by car with members of their own household - so long as they return on the same day.
They must also ensure they keep 2m apart from others at all times.
According to the Met Office's long range weather forecast, sunny weather could remain right up until June 11.
A spokesperson said: "Although with low confidence, this period looks to stay largely dry and fine with bright or sunny spells for many."
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