Temperatures hit 12°C for first time in a week and even hotter weather is on its way

Today has seen the highest temperatures all week with London basking in 12°C sunshine (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock)

Crack out the factor 50, open the parasol and light up the barbecue, the weather is finally starting to warm up.

Today has seen the highest temperatures all week with London basking in 12°C sunshine.

But that’s not all, sun worshippers – we’re quickly approaching average conditions by the middle of next week.

It will come as a huge relief after people started questioning why it’s so cold in the UK at the moment and if it is ever going to get warmer.

The UK has been subject to unusually chilly weather for the last few weeks, with London seeing temperatures as low was 4°C.

The Met Office even predicted overnight frost – and snow – in some parts of the country.

But temperatures will stay in the double-digits for at least the coming week, with next Thursday seeing highs of 20°C in London.

The Met Office forecast for next week says: ‘Gradually becoming more unsettled towards the weekend with showers or longer spells of rain at times. Often cloudy and feeling chilly in brisk winds.

The weather has so far been unseasonably wet (Picture: Ken Jack/Getty Images)

‘It will be an uncertain start to the weekend though likely unsettled as a frontal system continues to push north across the UK, coupled with strong winds and possible coastal gales, this likely followed by a showery day with potential thunderstorms on Sunday and again on Monday.

‘Beyond this, low-pressure patterns continue to dominate with wet weather perhaps more likely to develop in parts of the south and east, though all parts are may see some rain at times.

‘Winds further into the period [will be] mostly light to moderate. Temperatures will likely trend near or slightly above average, though some cooler interludes remain possible.’

The rest of Europe has also been experiencing chilly temperatures (Picture: Ventusky)

The average daily maximum temperature for the month is 13°C while the minimum is 4°C.

By the end of the month, the mercury is rising to about 16°C and maybe even the odd 21°C with May just around the corner.

The only time you’d normally see single digits is at night when the average is 5°C. But this is the kind of temperature we’ve been seeing in the daytime for weeks.

Storm Lilian may also be just round the corner, bringing in more wet weather and stormy skies.

The rest of Europe ahs also been experiencing chillier weather, with Italy seeing temperatures in the negative, with the average minimum scraping 5°C – well below the seasonal average of up to 20°C.

Greece, meanwhile, has been stuck in the single-digits for weeks.

Switzerland has seen the mercury almost frozen in place, dropping by 20°C since mid-April to barely above 10°C during the day.

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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