UK weather: Britain set to be hotter than Spain as temperatures reach 26C

Warm air pushed into northern Europe from the continent coupled with settled conditions will cause temperatures to soar into the mid-twenties

The sun is set to last well in to next week (Getty Images )

British sun seekers can rejoice this weekend as parts of country are set to bask in temperatures hotter than Madrid, Lisbon and Rome.

Warm air pushed into northern Europe from the continent, coupled with settled conditions in the UK, will cause temperatures to soar into the mid-twenties from Friday, meaning a taste of the Mediterranean is in store for British shores.

“From tomorrow the bulk of the UK will see a good deal of fine weather and temperatures are going to climb,” said Alex Burkill from the Met Office.

On Friday, most parts of the country can expect temperatures of 22C to 23C, with highs on Saturday reaching 24C and 26C on Sunday.

In comparison, highs in Madrid and Lisbon will languish between 17C and 18C over the weekend and Rome will see highs of 23C.

“Warm weather will be widespread on Sunday with temperatures in the far north and Scotland also expecting to exceed 20C,” said Mr Burkill.

Temperatures will climb to highs well above those expected for May, which has an average temperature of 15C.

The weekend will not break records however, with the record for the hottest day in May at 32.8C in 1922 and 1944.

The South East and central parts of the UK can expect to experience the bulk of the warm weather.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, however, a slow-moving frontal system will mean temperatures will be slightly suppressed on Saturday and spells of heavy rain will bring close and humid conditions.

The combined heat and humidity could lead to thunderstorms in some areas, especially Wales and western England, however, the stormy episodes will be broken up with bright spells.

“The sun is set to last well through in to next week,” said Mr Burkill, “but will be more unsettled in the South West where warm spells will be coupled with a greater chance of rain.”