UK weather: Parts of the UK to be as hot as Barcelona this weekend as temperatures hit 18C

Parts of the UK will be as hot as Barcelona this weekend - and temperatures in the south east could hit 18C.

This is far above average for April, which is usually around 11 degrees, and tropical winds from the south mean that Saturday and Sunday will be warm and sunny.

The swing to more spring-like weather will come as a relief to parts of the country that were battered by rain and wind as Storm Katie wreaked havoc over Easter weekend.

“This will be quite a different weekend compared to the last. Temperatures will increase through the weekend; we could see late to mid teens on Sunday,” said Met Office meteorologist Emma Sharples.

And increased levels of moisture in the air could make it feel even warmer. “There will be a closer feel, as the air isn't as dry, which will make it feel more comfortable,” she said.

However, those planning to enjoy the unseasonally balmy days outside shouldn't leave their umbrella at home, as it is still too early to rule out the risk of April showers.

“It won't be blue skies all weekend, but there will be some good sunshine. There is a chance of showery outbreaks late Saturday into Sunday morning - it could be a murky start on Sunday that then brightens up” said Ms Sharples.

The good weather could continue into Monday and even beyond, while “fresher, cooler air” will prevail from midweek onwards.

Last winter was one of the warmest on record in the UK, causing an unusual flourish in the numbers of small garden birds and sightings of plump squirrels.