UK weather: Warmer and sunnier day forecast ahead of potentially hottest day of year

Temperatures expected to reach as high as 28C

Much of the UK is turning warmer and sunnier after a wet and windy start to the week.

England and Wales will become increasingly sunny and warm on Thursday after a cloudy start and even some rain in the north, the Met Office said, with temperatures reaching as high as 28C in London.

Northern Britain will be cooler with some rain, although the far north will be brighter than recently, and there is forecast to be a late improvement across Northern Ireland.

Rain is expected to gradually clear from north and west Scotland over the evening and into the night, leaving many parts dry with largely clear skies.

The night is expected to be warm, with a gentle southerly breeze.

Friday could be the hottest day of the year so far, the Met Office has said, with temperatures reaching as high as 33C.

It is expected to be hot for much of England, though the coasts could be cooler and there is the possibility of thundery showers later.

Scotland and Wales will also be very warm, but cloud and showery rain in Northern Ireland will reach some other western parts later.

The weekend is set to be cooler, with sunshine and some showers.

Cloud and rain will move from the west later on Sunday, across the south on Monday, but it will be drier and brighter in the north.