Britain is set to bask in spring sunshine this week with temperatures expected to reach 17C, according to the Met Office.

A band of high pressure will bring balmy conditions up to 5C above average for the time of the year.

The pleasant, dry weather follows a weekend of heavy rain and blustery gales in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Southern and eastern areas of the UK will enjoy the best conditions, although temperatures will cool next weekend.

Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said: “It is warming up – it’s not going to be exceptionally warm but it’ll be better than the past couple of days.

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“Tomorrow will be around 13C, which is slightly cooler than the 15C we had on Sunday, but won’t feel too bad.

“A band of high pressure will mean it will be dry across most of the country, with patches of cloud in some places but with sunny spells.

“The best sunshine will be in the south and east, continuing through to Friday. By Thursday, we should be looking at temperatures of around 17C.

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“Some of northern Scotland could see some drizzle but that won’t affect many people.

“The weather will turn a bit more unsettled by the weekend, but it should be turning nicer as we head into April.”