UK weather: Blue skies and warm weather continue as Britain on track for driest May on record

Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-20s towards the end of the week

Britons can look forward to blue skies and strong spring sunshine for the rest of the week as an area of high pressure keeps temperatures in the mid-20s.

Forecasters say it will be a mild start to Thursday although the mercury will climb steadily as the day progresses.

Above average temperatures mean the UK is still on track to see one of its driest Mays on record as just over 31mm of rain has fallen this month.

Temperatures could reach 26C or 27C next week but the Met Office says the threshold for a UK-wide heatwave is unlikely to be met.

The southeast of England saw the best of the weather earlier in the week but that heat will begin to drift westwards on Thursday and Friday, forecasters say.

“Temperatures are a little above what you’d expect for this time of year,” said ITV weather forecaster Lucy Verasamy.

“High pressure will remain in control, making itself at home; we’ve got more wonderful sunny weather to come.

“Temperatures peaked in the southeast at the start of the week; expect that heat to drift its way westwards and northwards as the week draws to a close.

“We may see highs in excess of 25C or more by then.”

It will remain dry and sunny on Saturday with temperatures well above average, although it will be cooler along eastern coasts with a moderate south-easterly breeze.

Sunday is forecast to be mostly dry, warm and sunny. The odd shower is possible in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

Rising temperatures across the country could see thousands of Britons flock to beaches and beauty spots.

People are reminded to adhere to social-distancing guidelines and to check the different lockdown rules in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland before making plans.