Saturday begins with some residual cloud and rain across the far south-east, with the chance of a few thundery showers early on. These will clear quickly, leaving a mix of sunshine and variable cloud for much of England and Wales through the day.

Further west and south-west, low cloud may linger along some coastlines during the morning, although this should gradually break up to allow brighter spells developing inland.

In contrast, conditions will be breezier and more unsettled across the far north-west. Scotland, particularly western areas, will see more persistent cloud and some showers, with patchy rain becoming more widespread later in the day.

Temperatures will remain widely warm across much of the UK, although slightly lower than previous days for some areas. Even so, it will still feel pleasant in the sunshine. The far south and south-east will again be the focus for the highest temperatures, where it is expected to feel hot. As on recent days, coastal areas will be cooler where onshore breezes persist.

Overnight, the north-west remains cloudier and breezier, with some light rain turning heavier over western hills. Elsewhere, conditions will be more settled, with variable cloud and clear spells allowing mist and fog patches to develop, particularly across southern parts.

Temperatures will be mild for many, though local variations are likely, with some cooler conditions developing in rural spots under clearer skies.

Outlook for Sunday

Sunday sees a further continuation of settled and warm weather for much of the UK. England and Wales will have a largely dry day with plenty of sunshine, although some low cloud may affect western coastal fringes at times.

Conditions further north will be more mixed, with Scotland and Northern Ireland seeing greater amounts of cloud. North-west Scotland in particular may experience patchy rain or drizzle through the day.

Temperatures will again be widely warm, but the south will see the most notable heat. Here, conditions may become hot or even very hot, with the potential for temperatures to approach record-breaking levels for the time of year.

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Met Office presenter and meteorologist, Alex Burkill, said: “Saturday starts relatively warm for many, although there will be some rain across central areas at first, later reaching eastern parts as a front clears eastwards through the morning. There will also be some rain across the far northwest. Overall, however, it will be a generally dry day, with plenty of sunshine returning, particularly across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“Conditions will be brighter than on Friday, with more breaks in the cloud and increasing amounts of sunshine. Central, southern and eastern parts of England will see the best of this, with prolonged sunny spells developing. In the south-east, it could turn even hotter than the previous day, with temperatures reaching the low 30s, while most areas remain well above average for the time of year.

“Through Saturday evening, it stays fine for most. However, with cooler sea surface temperatures, coastal areas exposed to onshore winds may feel noticeably cooler overnight. There is also the chance of patches of fog developing by Sunday morning.

“Overall, the key message through the weekend is the continuation of exceptionally hot weather for May. The heatwave looks set to persist into next week, with the potential for record temperatures to be approached or even exceeded.”

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Beach huts along a sea wall with blue sky.