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Spring sunshine has well and truly arrived in time for the Bank Holiday weekend, as parts of the UK are set to bask in warm weather this week.

The hottest weather is forecast in the south of England on Friday, where the Met Office is expecting possible highs of 25C.

From midweek, high pressure will deliver mostly dry and warm weather, the forecaster said, with Wednesday and Thursday in particular boasting plenty of sunshine for many.

However, it will become windier in southern areas, with thunder and coastal gales possible in parts of the South West.

open image in gallery Friday is set to be a scorcher with highs of 25C ( PA )

Later Thursday into Friday, conditions become more unsettled. Rain and showers are expected to spread from the South and West, with the potential for some heavy and thundery bursts. Where sunshine persists ahead of this, it will feel warm and humid, especially in southern and central parts of England.

Tom Crabtree, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said it will feel “warm and humid in parts of England on Friday, with temperatures potentially reaching 24C in central and southern areas”.

He added: “Into the Bank Holiday, the weather looks more changeable, with showers at times – particularly in the North – but also some sunnier intervals. Details will become clearer closer to the weekend, so do keep up to date with the latest Met Office forecast.

“By Friday, conditions are expected to become more unsettled, with rain and showers spreading in from the South West, some of which could be heavy and possibly thundery.”

open image in gallery Temperatures will be higher in the South, though the North will still see mild weather on Friday ( Met Office )

open image in gallery The capital and surrounding areas will see the warmest weather with highs of 25C ( Met Office )

Met Office weather forecast for the week

Wednesday

Chilly start, with morning fog patches quickly clearing. For most it will be a sunny day. The risk of a few showers through the English Channel. Feeling warm for many, though chilly along eastern coasts. Gusty winds in the south.

Overnight

Dry with clear skies for most. Cloudier across the far South West, with the risk of showers developing here. Local frost and fog in the North. Staying windy in the South.

Thursday

Another warm and sunny day for most. Cloudier skies towards the southwestern areas and also Northern Ireland later, with the risk of a few showers developing. Staying windy in the South.

Friday

Warm and humid on Friday, with sunny spells and a few heavy showers or thunderstorms. Sunny spells and showers Saturday and Sunday, some heavy and thundery. Turning a little cooler.