The sun will continue to shine on the UK on Saturday, making for perfect barbecue conditions, forecasters said.
The soaring temperatures and blue skies which replaced the bank holiday drizzle look set to provide a sunny start to the weekend.
Forecasters at MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said today would be very warm and mostly dry across the UK with highs of 27C (80.6F) predicted in London.
The rest of the South East is expected to enjoy some of the highest temperatures in England, with maximums expected to be around 24C (75.2F).
Similar highs are predicted in the North East, with the North West expected to be a few degrees cooler.
According to MeteoGroup, temperatures in the low 20s can be expected in Scotland, Wales and western England.
The good weather has prompted a charity to issue a warning about cooling off safely.
A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "With very warm weather set to mark the last weekend of half term in many areas, RoSPA is urging that people take care when cooling off in rivers and lakes and, where possible, that they swim at properly supervised sites.
"In previous years, the number of accidental drownings has peaked during hot spells. Last year was no exception and there were at least 20 suspected accidental drownings across the UK over the course of two weeks at the beginning of June. RoSPA is keen that people - particularly families with children who will be out and about with their friends - take steps to prevent similar tragedies this year."
MeteoGroup said Saturday's sunshine will be tempered by more cloud than in recent days and a weak cold front moving east across the UK is expected to bring sharp showers - specifically in Scotland and central and eastern England. Things are also set to take a cooler turn on Sunday, with unsettled conditions across the UK.
