UK weather forecast: Highs of 28C this weekend as 'driest May ever' comes to an end

Britain will end May with 28C highs as provisional figures from the Met Office indicate it's been the UK's sunniest spring on record.

And this weekend's sunshine won't be just in the south of the country as BBC forecaster Nick Miller said parts of the Scottish Highlands will see the highest temperatures on Friday, likely to reach 28C for some.

For most of Britain Friday will be "sunshine all the way" - though he did warn about the high UV and increasing grass pollen count.

It comes after the Environment Agency announced there are no plans for hosepipe bans despite some regions being on course for the driest May on record.

Just weeks after many parts of England and Wales were deluged with floodwater, the spring drought has seen gardens wilt, farmers fret over parched crops and reservoir levels drop.

But EA said most water companies have "appropriate" reserves, and it stressed its calls for people to use water wisely should not deter anyone from regular hand-washing as part of the fight against Covid-19.

But it confirmed United Utilities has applied to take water from a Cumbrian lake to help with supplies in the county and it warned further measures may be needed in the north-west of England if the dry spell continues.

The Met Office is predicting some regions, especially in the south of England, will record the lowest May rainfall figures on record when the final statistics are collated on Monday.

Meanwhile, Mr Miller said there is unlikely to be any substantial rain over the weekend and the majority of the country will remain dry and hot.

He said the warm air pushing across the UK will "favour parts of Scotland", including the likes of Spey Valley and Murray hitting the high 20s in an unusual turn today.

However, Friday starts in the single figures with patches of low cloud and mist, but the sunshine will soon clear those away.

For most, temperatures will reach the low to mid 20s, continued Mr Miller, while a breezy Saturday is expected before the mini heat wave peaks for most on Sunday.

June, however, could start far less bright and sunny.

The Met Office forecasts rain and strong winds for the northern and western parts of the UK into next week.

While BBC forecasts agree there is "some uncertainty" as we leave May for what should be the start of the summer - with an area of low pressure likely moving in from the Atlantic and bringing showers.

Some weather charts have temperatures dipping into the teens.

UK 5 day weather forecast

Today:

A fine, dry day with plenty of very warm sunshine. Highest temperatures over northern Scotland where an isolated late afternoon shower is possible over the mountains.

Tonight:

Dry and clear for many areas and rather mild in the north and west. Some low cloud and fog patches possible in some eastern areas by dawn.

Saturday:

Another fine, dry day with plenty of warm sunshine. Highest temperatures again likely over northern Scotland.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Dry with sunny spells and warm for many areas although east-facing coasts are likely to remain cooler. Thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain may affect northern Scotland on Tuesday.