At last, a warm weekend!

AfTER weeks of cold weather – not to mention rain, wind and the occasional dusting of snow – Britain is set to bask in a mild and sunny weekend.

Blue skies will return with temperatures as high as 12C (53.6f) in places, while dry conditions and a drop in wind speeds will combine to make today one of the most pleasant days of the year so far.

Double- digit temperatures will continue until Monday, with a chance of showers tomorrow. Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: ‘Today will see bright, sunny conditions for much of England and Wales ... There will be less wind, so in the sun it will feel quite nice.’ Nick Prebble, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, added: ‘Western and central southern England should see highs of 11C or 12C.’

The warmer weather was ushered in yesterday by mild air flowing in from the south-west over the Atlantic – but you’d be wise to make the most of it while it lasts. Mr Prebble said: ‘There will be a cooling trend on Tuesday and Wednesday, when temperatures will struggle to reach 10C. Some areas, such as the North and East, could max out at 5-6C.’