Britain could be hotter than Portugal this weekend with highs of 16C expected in some parts of the UK – but flood warnings are in place with thunderstorms on their way.
The country is still thawing out from the chilling effects of the Beast from the East and Storm Emma but a swell of tropical air will send temperatures soaring.
But some parts of the UK are braced for more wild weather, with snow falling in Scotland today and warnings of thunderstorms for the south west on Saturday.
A Met Office forecaster said: ‘This weekend will be a great deal warmer than it has been and will be quite spring like going into early next week.
A seagull flew in front of the sun as it rose over Whitley Bay today. Britain is set to be hotter than Portugal this weekend with highs of 16C expected in some parts of the UK – but flood warnings are in place with thunderstorms on their way
The Beast from the East may have passed but some parts of the country are still experiencing wild weather. MailOnline readers Sarah and David Railton sent in this pictured from Pick’s Glen in Argyll, western Scotland
‘We’ve had some snow in northern Scotland today but for most parts of Scotland and the rest of the UK it’ll be quite a nice day.
‘We’ll have lots of sunshine and temperatures on Friday will be around 10C in the south and 7C in the north. But rain will approach the south west shortly and will then work its way north. But it will be breezy rather than windy.’
Once the rain is out of the way the country will bask in warm weather – with temperatures set to reach highs of 16C on Saturday.
The forecaster said: ‘Once the rain is out of the way we’ll have quite a mild afternoon. Temperatures in London and the south are likely to reach 14C. And it could reach 16C in some parts of the south east.
‘It will make the it mildest day of the year so far.’
This means the UK could be hotter than Lisbon, Portugal, which is due to have highs of 14C.
Parts of Britain should bask in temperatures of 16C on Saturday, which will make it hotter than Lisbon. Forecasters say it is set to be the mildest day of the year so far
The sun rose over Whitley Bay today. While some parts of the UK are expected to bask in highs of 16C tomorrow, other areas are braced for thunderstorms
Though it is not all good news – website Accuweather is predicting thunderstorms for Saturday night.
The south west is braced for flooding with the heavy rain due tomorrow.
Sunday should see most of the country enjoy dry spells with relatively light winds – but rain will approach the south west as the day wears on.
Temperatures will reach highs of 14C.
Monday and early next week will be wet and windy, the Met Office said.
The south in particular will be battling strong winds while the north will generally be drier and brighter.
There will be a risk of frost overnight.
This weekend’s expected warm temperatures come just days after the so-called Pest from the West blanketed large parts of the country in snow.
Parts of northern England found themselves buried under 4cm of snow.