Brits are set to bask in a third straight day of 20C temperatures on Thursday and the scorching weather is expected to carry on into the weekend.
After an icy start to March, spring has clearly arrived with sunshine and blue skies up and down the country.
Once again the mercury hit 20C on Wednesday and the hotter than average temperatures are expected to continue for the coming days with the Met Office estimating they are as much as 10C above the norm for the time of year.
The sunshine is thanks to a high pressure system that is sitting over the UK having moved in from the continent giving the country temperatures higher than many southern European holiday hotspots.
On Thursday more 20C heat means that the UK will be warmer than the Spanish holiday island of Lanzarote.
Like Wednesday the day will start cold before the sunshine arrives.
“This settled spell of spring sunshine carries on for the rest of the week and beyond," Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said.
“With clear skies expected tonight temperatures will fall away and a few mist and fog patches could form in one or two spots. They will be fairly isolated and most likely in parts of eastern England for example like recent nights with temperatures dipping away as well.
"A touch of frost in places as we start off Thursday. Frost free Western Isles, parts of Northern Ireland where it will turn cloudier through the night, perhaps one or two showers into the Western Isles.”
Air from the Atlantic is bringing cloudier skies for the north west of Scotland and spots of rain but the high pressure is dominant over the UK meaning warm weather for most.
Mr McGivern continued: "On the whole after a chilly start. Much of the UK still basking in that warm March sunshine and temperatures similar across England and Wales to recent days 17C to 19C, could squeeze a 20C in Cambridgeshire for example."
Then for Friday there is more of the same even if temperatures are fractionally lower.
“Plenty more, well, fine weather to come ... blue skies across the board virtually just one exception there for Shetland, Orkney, thicker clouds, a few drizzly showers at time but elsewhere largely dry," said Mr McGivern.
"For the vast majority dry once again (on Friday) and those temperatures are responding. Technically down a degree or so compared to the last couple of days but with light winds and sunshine I doubt it will be that noticeable.
"And really those temperatures in place are 8C perhaps 10C above average so very warm for the time of year."
UK forecast for the next 5 days
Rather cloudy in the northwest, elsewhere mostly dry and sunny
Today:
Early fog patches quickly clearing to leave another warm day with plenty of sunshine for most. Very isolated afternoon showers may develop in the north, more likely over eastern Scotland. Cloudier in the northwest with some light rain at times.
Tonight:
Rather cloudy for parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, especially the far north and northwest where a little light rain. Clear elsewhere with patchy frost and a few fog patches.
Friday:
Again dry and warm with sunny spells for many although cloudier in the far northwest. One or two isolated afternoon showers may develop across northern England and southeastern Northern Ireland.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Mainly settled with light winds and warm sunny spells; cloudier in the far north with occasional light rain. Early mist/fog patches in places, clearning inland but lingering near some coasts.
