The warmer than average weather will continue for the next few days across the United Kingdom.

While not quite as warm as Wednesday - the warmest day of the year so far - temperatures will still get into the mid to high teens.

Long spells of sunshine will continue with very little rainfall in the forecast.

On Friday - also the spring equinox - temperatures peak again in Scotland and Northern Ireland where it could be their warmest day of the year so far.

High pressure dominates for the rest of the week so the weather remains mostly dry with lots of sunshine.

Thursday will still be warmer than average by around 4 to 6C. But it is not likely to reach the 20.9C that was recorded on Wednesday in Gogerddan in west Wales.

With lots of sunshine for most, temperatures will still climb to around 14 to 18C.

However, some cloud will linger in north-east England and southern Scotland, making it feel a little on the cool side with highs of only 11 to 13C.

By Friday winds from the south mean that Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to exceed their warmest days of the year so far.

The weekend will however remain dry for most with sunny spells and light winds, making it feel warm with temperatures about 2 or 3C above average.

What and when is the spring equinox?

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Temperatures will remain above average through the rest of this week

From early next week, a change in wind direction will bring lower temperatures.

A north-westerly wind will drag in some colder air with temperatures on Monday actually falling below average in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It will also temporarily turn more unsettled with an area of low pressure tracking across Scotland into Tuesday.

This will bring some showers which could turn a little wintry over the higher ground of Scotland, northern England and Wales.

Feeling chilly early next week too with temperatures ranging from 6C in northern Scotland to 13C in south-east England.

Looking further ahead, there are signs that high pressure will return to bring the settled weather back for the start of the Easter school holidays.

You can stay up to date with the details of that on our monthly outlook.

Weather for the week ahead

Spring is 'fastest-warming' season in the UK

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