Southern England to enjoy temperatures of up to 17C this weekend, bringing welcome relief to flood victims

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Weather-weary Britons could bask in temperatures of up to 17C (63F) as a wave of high pressure sends the mercury rising this weekend.

Much of southern England can expect to enjoy temperatures in the mid-teens on Saturday and Sunday, weeks after heavy downpours and gale-force winds flooded communities and brought the transport network to its knees.

The dry spell – and likely prospect of Sunday being the warmest day of the year to date – will no doubt come as welcome relief to those still dealing with the aftermath of flood-damaged homes.

John Lee, forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: "The weather will be getting much better into the weekend. The south of England will be somewhat drier than we've had recently, with a wave of high pressure.

"It means we're looking at a forecast of up to 17C in London on Sunday. Even other parts of the south could see 15C and 16C this weekend."

The warm weather will not reach all parts of the country, however – with pockets of north-west England still expecting showery downpours this weekend.

But Lee said those areas that remain dry could expect a few days in the sunshine. He said: "There is a strong feeling that the high pressure will remain – it's looking promising."