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Britain is set to enjoy some of its warmest weather of the year this weekend, with temperatures set to beat those of Mediterranean holiday hotspots like Istanbul and Corfu.
After weeks of wind, rain and icy conditions up and down the country, forecasters are predicting a return to the milder weather that came unseasonably early at the start of 2015.
The public have been told to expect a “marked change” going from Friday into Saturday as spring takes hold one week into March.
The hottest part of the country will actually be eastern Scotland, according to the Met Office’s Simon Partridge, who said the shelter of the Highlands could see the mercury hit a record high for the year of 17C.
London and the South East could reach temperatures of 15C, while even Manchester and Liverpool could experience 13C.
“We are going to have some milder conditions and there will be spring temperatures from Saturday,” Mr Partridge said.
“We have been there already but not for a while. The most recent highest temperature was at Exeter Airport. It was 16.5C (62F) on 9 January.
“The mild weather is coming in from the South West, which originated in the Caribbean area and across the Atlantic.”
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The Met Office said the spring conditions would be less evident in the north of England, while cloud and stronger winds in Wales mean it is unlikely to get above 12C there.
He said: “It's going to be a marked change and people will feel the difference. In some parts of the country people are going to be having a very pleasant day compared to the weather in the last few weeks.”
Additional reporting by agencies
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