Sunseekers can rejoice as Britain will see its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures hitting glorious highs of over 20C.
The Met Office said that the mercury will be “well above average” for early Spring, forecasting temperatures of up to 21C in London.
Some parts of the UK will be hotter than hotter than Barcelona and Athens, where highs of 15C and 12C respectively are forecast.
Warmer air has moved in from the south and southwest, bringing about settled weather over the past couple of days.
The Met Office said that the mercury will be 'well above average' for early Spring
Met Office
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly explained: “High pressure to the east of the UK is helping to draw warmer air north across the country, resulting in temperatures well above average for the time of year.
“Thursday is likely to see temperatures peak as part of this meteorological set-up, likely reaching around 20°C in some spots in the south.
"It’ll also be a widely sunny day for the UK, with just patchy fair-weather cloud in central areas of England at times.”
The expected rise in temperatures coincides with the spring equinox, which is the first day of astronomical spring.
However, the spring sunshine will sadly not last long, with Britons told to “enjoy it will you can”.
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Warmer air has moved in from the south and southwest, bringing about settled weather over the past couple of days
PA
On Friday, a transition to wetter weather will begin, with showers hitting much of the UK as an “unsettled period” hits.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates said: “While Friday will be another warm day for many, we start to see some wet weather arriving, initially in Cornwall but gradually moving to parts of Wales and central and southern England later in the day.
“This heralds the move to something more unsettled for the UK’s weather on Saturday, with more rain or showers developing for much England, Wales and Northern Ireland through the day, and some heavier bursts likely in places.
"Western parts of Scotland are also likely to see rain on Saturday, with this gradually moving eastwards across the rest of Scotland through the weekend.
“Unsettled weather, with occasional rain or showers for many, will continue on Sunday, with plenty of cloud around as well.”
The Met Office predicts rain will hit the UK this weekend
Met Office
Whilst the sunny weather lasts, the National Trust is urging people to get outside to enjoy the blossom.
Annie Reilly, blossom programme manager, said: “The joyful sight of blossom after such a grey, cold and stormy start to the year is a real mood lifter, and it’s well known that spending time in nature can boost your wellbeing.
“With the season only lasting a few weeks, it’s really important to enjoy it while we can.”
