Summer scorcher! Experts predict hottest summer with temperatures starting to soar next week

After weeks of mixed weather, May could see scorching temperatures across the UK as people get ready for beer gardens and parks.

With lockdown easing, highs are predicted to be in the mid-20s as soon as next week.

The Met Office said: “Plenty of sunny spells are expected into May, with the possibility of warmer spells.”

The Met Office's long forecast also predicts the first half of May will see temperatures staying above average.

It says: “A settled regime will likely be in place across much of the country at first with high pressure likely to be centred to the west or northwest of the UK during this time.

"Mixed weather patterns, typical of spring are most likely through the first half of May.

"Overall, fine and dry weather is expected to be most dominant, with fair-weather cloud and plenty of sunny spells."