Britain faces its hottest day of the current warm spell on Friday, with temperatures set to soar into the high 20s across southern England, the Met Office has confirmed.
The South East will bear the brunt of the heat as an area of high pressure continues to drive temperatures well above average. Light winds of 10-15 mph will make conditions feel even warmer for millions across the country.
Central and southern England will see the mercury climb highest, whilst northern regions remain warm but slightly cooler. Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect pleasant conditions in the high teens to low 20s, with Wales potentially reaching the mid-20s, particularly in eastern areas.
The Met Office has issued advice for the public to take precautions against high UV levels. Officials recommend sunscreen, hats, and seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day. Hay fever sufferers face additional challenges as pollen counts remain high across England and Wales.
Friday marks the peak of several days of increasingly warm weather, though conditions will moderate slightly over the weekend. Isolated showers or thunderstorms may develop in some areas as atmospheric patterns begin to shift.
Weekend temperatures will remain pleasant, staying in the low to mid-20s for most areas - ideal for outdoor activities. However, forecasters warn the timing and location of potential showers require close monitoring.
The sustained high pressure system delivering these stable conditions offers a welcome change after a mixed spring, with Friday's temperatures proving notable for this stage of the season.