The UK is expected to see the warmest weather of the year so far today and on Wednesday.

Temperatures will rise widely to the high teens and low twenties over the next few days, with 24C (75F) expected in south-east England.

There will be lots of dry and sunny weather to go with it too.

On Thursday a band of rain will push down from the north-west to be followed by colder air, with temperatures returning to around the average for this time of year.

Temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday set to rise well above average for early April

A south to south-easterly breeze will push in much warmer air from the European continent.

Temperatures will be around 6 to 10C above average for early April.

Today's temperatures will be higher than Easter Monday, rising to the high teens and low twenties in most parts.

Across the south Midlands and the west coast of Wales it is likely to reach 22C (72F), making it the warmest day of the year so far.

The previous highest temperature this year was 20.9C (69.6F), recorded on 31 March at Pershore, Worcestershire.

Today will be a sunny day across across England, Wales and much of Scotland. Cloud will arrive in Northern Ireland and the far west of Scotland later with the risk of a shower.

Any showers in Scotland overnight will die out tomorrow morning and the cloud in Scotland and Northern Ireland will break up on Wednesday afternoon.

England and Wales will remain sunny but with lighter winds and it may feel more like a typical summer's day for many.

The focus of the highest temperatures on Wednesday will be the Midlands, East Anglia and south-east England, where temperatures could reach 24C (75F).

Tree pollen levels are rising as temperatures continue to rise

With the increased sunshine and higher temperatures, pollen levels have risen too.

In England and Wales and parts of Scotland the pollen levels will be very high today. Levels will fall in Scotland and Northern Ireland on Wednesday but remain very high in England and Wales.

Tree pollen is recognised as the first stage of the pollen season in the UK, with birch pollen currently being the main culprit.

Tree pollen affects 25-35% of hay fever sufferers and typically runs from March to early June for most trees.

The weather pattern will change on Wednesday night and Thursday and temperatures will be falling.

A band of rain will push southeastwards across the whole country to be followed by sunshine and showers and a north-westerly wind.

This change in wind direction will bring in much cooler air. Temperatures will therefore noticeably drop to around 10 to 14C (50-57F) across most areas.

Ahead of the rain, temperatures in East Anglia and south-east England could still reach 20C (68F).

High pressure nudges back in on Friday to bring dry weather and sunshine back to England and Wales. But more cloud and rain will head in to Scotland and Northern Ireland later and herald a change to a more changeable weather pattern.

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