Swimmers have returned to Hampstead Heath’s outdoor pools for an early morning dip today as the UK braces for a sunny weekend with temperatures expected to reach 23C.
Brits, who woke up to blue skies today, headed to the north London beauty spot for a swim on the first day of decent summer weather after a week of rain and overcast skies.
Forecasters are predicting a “beautiful weekend” as people across the country continue to enjoy the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
After days of downpours and clouds, the balmy weather is sure to see Brits flocking to beaches and parks to enjoy barbecues and al fresco gatherings.
And mercury will continue to rise, with temperatures expected to soar to as high as 25C over the coming week.
Bookmaker Coral also says this month is likely to be the hottest July in the UK.

Swimmers enter the Hampstead Heath mixed bathing pond in London, which reopens to the public following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions across England

Brits, who woke up to blue skies today, headed to the north London beauty spot for a swim on the first day of decent summer weather after a week of rain and overcast skies

Swimmers enter the Hampstead Heath mixed bathing pond in London, which reopens to the public following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions across England

A lovely start to the day in Glastonbury, Somerset. Temperatures are expected to rise to 25C over the next 10 days

Staycations could also be back on the menu, with temperatures trending today and tomorrow, particularly in Wales and the South West.
Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said: “It’s a nice weekend ahead for many of us, but heavy showers are still on the way for the rest of Friday, mainly in the north and east, otherwise sunny, particularly in the south and west.
“(Saturday) The best sunshine will be in Wales and the South West, with cloud thinning again later in the afternoon. Temperatures will reach 22C, 23C, slightly warmer compared to Friday.
“You can see how the clouds will clear up again on Saturday evening and it will be a beautiful evening again for many places.”
“Sunday is looking good for many but later in the day there will be wet weather again in the North West.”
The Met Office unveiled the forecast for today, adding in a press release: “A dry and fair start to the day with early sunshine. It will continue to remain mostly dry with some sunny spells, although areas of patchy cloud will form throughout the day and there is a possibility of some showers, particularly for western Scotland, Northern Ireland and north west England. Mostly gentle winds.
“For most it will be a dry and fine evening with late rays of sunshine. However, northern Scotland will be cloudier, with rain for the North Isles. Overnight will remain dry for most with long clear spells but with further rain for the North Islands. Winds mostly light but moderate for Northern Scotland.’


Swimmers enter the Hampstead Heath mixed bathing pond in London, which reopens to the public following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions across England

Swimmers enter the Hampstead Heath mixed bathing pond in London, which reopens to the public following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions across England

Forecasters are predicting a “beautiful weekend” as people across the country continue to enjoy the easing of coronavirus restrictions. Pictured is a family on a beach in Dorset

With a sunny weekend forecast, there are fears Sammy the Seal (pictured) could be bothered by sun-seekers in Weymouth


With a sunny weekend forecast, Dorset beaches are likely to see a major influx of tourists again after days of rain and clouds

Wildlife and marine conservation organizations are urging people to leave ‘Sammy The Seal’ alone if he turns up on any of Weymouth’s beaches

A kite surfer rides the waves of a choppy North Sea on Tynemouth beach this morning. Britain has been hit with rain and clouds across the country – although better weather is now on the way
Looking ahead to tomorrow and Monday, the Met Office added that it will be “mostly fair and sunny”, although there could be some patches of cloud and rain.
Leading bookmaker Coral makes this month the hottest July ever with odds of 1-2 as the UK braces for a hot end to the month.
“The rains of early July seem to be a distant memory and we are confident that this month will break the record as the hottest on record,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
Coral also makes this summer our warmest yet at 4-5 odds.
“This summer has the potential to be unforgettable weather wise and has a good chance of being the warmest on record,” added Aitkenhead.
