Summer has arrived in the West Country as an extended period of dry and warm weather brings to an end months of miserable conditions. The region is poised to enjoy the hottest spell so far this year, with temperatures easily exceeding 20C next week.
The sunshine will bring relief to the tourist industry, fishermen and farmers who have all struggled through the coldest spring for half a century. Sunshine and warmth will dominate for several days, including this weekend, after the coldest spring in 50 years.
The Exeter-based Met Office said conditions would remain dry and fine at least until the end of the week, with better than average temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
Met Office spokeswoman, Helen Chivers, said: "It will be a lovely weekend – dry with plenty of sunshine."
The high pressure will stay in place over the West Country next week as temperatures creep up towards the mid-20s.
Mrs Chivers said: "We're expecting a nice, settled few days, which has been quite unusual in recent months. I would expect people to make the most of the weather, enjoying what the West Country has to offer. I'm sure there will be plenty of barbecues."
The pleasant conditions follow what was expected to be recorded as the coldest spring since 1962. The extreme winter weather extended into last month, when more than two inches of snow fell on Dartmoor.
May saw lower than average temperatures and wetter conditions than usual, according to weather experts. The Met Office said the mean temperature for spring across the country – based on figures from March 1 to May 29 – was only 6C. It would also make this year the fifth coldest spring since records began more than 100 years ago.
Rainfall volumes during March and April were below average, but May was already wetter than average at 86mm by last Tuesday. The monthly average for the whole of May is 70mm.
Over the next few days the weather will remain settled with extended spells of warm sunshine. But the fine conditions could end next weekend when forecasters expect more unsettled conditions.
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