UK weather: Britain to bask in hottest day of the year so far as temperatures soar over weekend

Temperatures expected to reach 23C

Balmy Britain: beachgoers in Weymouth, Dorset build a sandlecastle on Friday, as the weather warms (Alamy)

Britons are basking in a bout of sunshine this weekend, with temperatures set to hit 23C degrees on Sunday – the hottest day of the year so far.

The UK is expected to enjoy warmer weather than Ibiza, Rome and Istanbul.

The warm weather is good news for the thousands of horse racing fans flocking to Aintree today to watch the Grand National.

Skies are expected to stay clear, with temperatures to reach 17C at the racetrack, although Saturday night is expected to see temperatures fall.

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Most areas across the UK were expected to see clear skies and sunny weather on Saturday, with temperatures reaching around 20C in the south.

Northern Scotland, however, is likely to experience cooler temperatures, with cloudy skies and some patchy light rain towards dawn.

On Sunday, most parts of Britain will continue to see sunshine, with temperatures of at least 16C, while a warm 23C is expected in the south east.

Expect warm temperatures in the south, but cooler weather and clouds further north (Met Offce)

The Met Office forecasts that pollen will be high across the south and as far north as Yorkshire.

A bright idea: beachgoers in Dorset enjoy the balmy weather with suntanning and horseback rides (Alamy)

Temperatures are set to drop n Monday, with cooler weather and showers on their way to rain on the parade.

Wet and windy weather is expected to continue through to Wednesday, with colder showery conditions expected.