Weekend treat as Britain basks in sunshine

Eva Mansfield, aged four, from Nottingham cools down with a splash in the sea at Sandsend – and she won't be the only one this weekend as Britain basks in sunshine.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd May 2010, 00:36 BST

Updated 22nd May 2010, 00:36 BST

Temperatures reached 24C (75F) across most of the country yesterday, well above the May average of 16C (60F), and they could rise higher today.

It has even been predicted that tomorrow the mercury will reach the dizzy heights of 27C (80.6F) in some parts.

The hottest places will be around the Midlands and the South-East, as sea mists may keep some coastal areas cooler.

The mini-heatwave is good news for Yorkshire's burgeoning agricultural show season, which kicks off at Otley today with its 201st show

The high temperatures are due to a band of high pressure above the country. But it is not expected to last, as forecasters say it will become much cooler from Monday.