UK weather forecast: Britain 'to be hotter than Barcelona' as country braces for highest April temperatures in six years

London expected to see warmest temperatures with highs of 24C

Sustained warm and sunny weather across most of the UK is set to bring the hottest April temperatures since 2014.

As the country marks its fifth week under coronavirus lockdown, London is forecast to be warmer than parts of Greece, Turkey and Portugal.

The capital is expected to see the warmest weather on Thursday, with the mercury rising to 24C.

Elsewhere, temperatures are forecast to reach 23C in Wales and southwest England, 18C in Scotland and 19C in Northern Ireland.

This would be significantly above the average high of 14C in April for England and would be the hottest April weather the UK has seen for six years, the Met Office said.

Forecasters said the good weather is due to a large area of high pressure to the north of England, making the days clear and bright.

The slightly stronger winds prevalent early in the week should ease by Wednesday morning, meaning it will likely feel warmer across most of the UK.

Temperatures will hit 22C for many parts of the UK, however, a touch of frost remains possible in rural parts of Scotland and along the east coast.

Flood alerts will also stay in place for parts of southern England, with high groundwater levels in parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire, particularly around Salisbury plain, creating a small flood risk in the event of any rain.

Friday will see temperatures drop slightly to 23C in the capital, 22C in Wales and south-west England and 18C in Scotland.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said there was also a "low chance" of isolated showers in the west of the UK, but said most areas will remain dry.

The government's guidance remains to stay at home wherever possible.

"By staying home, you are protecting the lives of others, as well as making sure the NHS does not get overwhelmed," Whitehall's official guidance says.

Additional reporting by PA