The Hottest Day Yet - And Plenty More To Come

The UK has basked in the hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching almost 28C - and weather experts say there is plenty more to come.

Once again Southampton was the warmest place in the UK at 27.9C (82.2F), after also topping the mercury on Wednesday.

The south coast city was closely followed by Wisley in Surrey, where temperatures reached 27.5C (81.5F), while 27.3C (81.1F) was recorded in Glasgow.

Heathrow Airport hit 26.5C, and Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands, sweltered in temperatures of 26.4C.

Coastal areas were a little cooler, however, especially in the east.

Thousands of people flocked to beaches and parks to enjoy sunshine, as conditions were hotter than many popular European destinations.

Barcelona in Spain lagged behind the UK at 25.3C (77.5F).

The glorious sunshine has been a welcome change after weeks of grey skies and rain across the UK.

Average maximum temperatures for England in May are 14-17C, while Scotland they would normally be 13-15C.

Sky News weather producer Christopher England said it will remain warm for the next week, although it will not be as hot as in the past few days.

He said: "Temperatures on Friday likely to be a few degrees lower, although still above the average for the time of year.

"There'll be more of a cooling breeze in the south and east as well.

"Most places will fine into the middle of next week although it's not likely to be as warm as the last three days."

:: Read the Sky News weather forecast

Saturday should see temperatures of between 24C and 27C, while Sunday is likely to be between 22 and 25C.

But the southwest of England and Ireland will see some showers over the weekend.

England said: "It looks like a high risk of heavy, showers in the southwest later on Saturday and on Sunday, and over Ireland later in the week."