The UK looks set for a warm Easter bank holiday with above average temperatures of over 20C (68F) likely in some areas.

It’s expected to warm up from Thursday and the long weekend could bring the hottest day of the year so far, beating the 20.8C (69.4F) recorded on 23 March.

Dust blown in from the Sahara could also make for some spectacular sunrises and sunsets, according to Sky News meteorologist Chris England.

“A southerly flow and generally light winds this week mean it will be turning warmer, with temperatures of over 20C possible in places from Thursday,” Sky’s forecaster said.

The South East is forecast to get the best of the fine weather, but it will depend on the duration of any cloud breaks.

The days leading up to Easter will also be mild in many areas, but there will be rain and showers for some – find out more in Sky News’ latest UK forecast.

It comes after the sunniest March for nearly 100 years, according to provisional Met Office statistics.

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A large area of high pressure over the UK brought an average 166.1 hours of sunshine, the most since 1929.

Northern Ireland was especially fine, recording 192.5 hours, 90% more sunshine than its long-term average.

The clear skies kept a lid on temperatures though, with the UK mean average at 6.7C – just 1C above normal.

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