Brits told to stick to social distancing rules as millions set to soak up 21C heat this weekend

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BRITS are being told to stick to social distancing rules as millions are set to soak up the 21C heat this weekend.

The coming two days will be the first weekend of lockdown where sunbathing has been permitted across the nation and will coincide with warm sunshine and clear skies.

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But the public have been urged to continue practising social distancing despite the tempting weather and slight easing of lockdown restrictions.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has warned people planning to surf, swim or pursue boating activities to stay safe at sea as the majority of beaches will not have lifeguards.

The RNLI suspended lifeguard provision during lockdown and there are currently no lifeguards on the 240 beaches that it normally patrols.

The director of HM Coastguard Claire Hughes said: "In England, now more than ever, people need to respect the sea and the coast.

"Remember your choices might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk. Take extra care in these extraordinary times."

The Local Government Association has advised people not to go in the sea at beaches where lifeguards are not present and urged people to check advice on their council website before travelling.

The National Trust has also introduced a booking process in some of its car parks to limit visitor numbers.

The warnings come as an estimated 15 million day trips are predicted to be made by car in the UK over the next two days with parks and beaches likely to be busy, according to a survey by the RAC.

RISING TEMPS

Meteorologist Bonnie Diamond said temperatures are on the rise.

"During the daytime on Saturday and Sunday, we're seeing sunny spells with possibly the odd isolated shower, and average daytime temperatures of 17C to 18C in England," Ms Diamond explained.

She added highs of 20C are forecast in the south-west of England, with cloudier and potentially wet weather in Scotland and Northern Ireland facing lows of 7C.

The warm-up will begin over the weekend with some forecasters predicting temperatures to be more akin to mid-summer by next week.

Met Office meteorologist John Griffiths told Sun Online that conditions were "generally going to be dry and fine".

"It will gradually warm up over the next few days. Monday could see a high of 22C - possibly 23C - in the south east, Mr Griffiths explained.

"England and Wales could see temperatures exceeding 20C and as high as 23C in some spots as temperatures keep climbing throughout the week."

BBC meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker said: "The temperatures, on Sunday, given a bit of sunshine in the south of the country could exceed 20 degrees and the current indications are that as we head into next week it's going to feel like June or July."

...As we head into next week it's going to feel like June or July.

Meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker

Met Office weather maps show temperatures hitting 23C in London by Tuesday, with similar sunny conditions throughout the south east.

Meteorologist Nicola Maxey said: "We are slowly seeing day-on-day warming and we are seeing temperatures pick up, certainly by Sunday in London when we'll see temperatures of 20 or 21C."

She added: "By the time we get to the middle of next week, temperatures will be in the 20s and we could even start seeing them up towards the mid-20s.

"We will be seeing the return of warmer weather and temperatures above average for this time of year."

SUNNY & DRY

Temperatures reached up to 18C in the capital on Friday, with highs above 14C in other parts of the country.

Although some rain and showers is predicated in the north, the rest of the country should remain mainly dry over the weekend.

Saturday will see variable cloud cover and sunny spells, with more cloudy conditions set for northern areas particularly in parts of northern Scotland.

The outlook for Sunday to Tuesday will be "increasingly warm with long sunny periods", the Met Office predicts.

Similar predictions were echoed by the national weather service's long range report, which said: "Temperatures look to take an upward trend over the next two weeks with most areas becoming warm, especially in the south and east.

"Most places should remain largely dry with plenty of brightness or sunshine as well as light winds."

SUNBATHING BRITS

The change in temperature will be a good excuse for Brits to make the most of unlimited exercise and sunbathing opportunities in public parks and beaches.

The UK has seen some great weather in the past few weeks, despite lockdown restrictions limiting Brits to leaving the house for essentials only.

And with many beauty spots reopening across the country, people will be heading to beaches and natural parks to enjoy the sunshine on next week's Bank Holiday weekend.

Cooped-up Brits already began escaping the lockdown today as they flocked to parks and beaches across England.

It comes as Boris Johnson gave the green light for day-trips in cars this week, with many expected to hit the road over the weekend.

Under new Government guidelines, Brits can now travel anywhere in England by car with members of their own household - so long as they return on the same day.

They must also ensure they keep 2m apart from others at all times.

The National Trust began reopening some of its smaller car parks on Wednesday, and will be introducing a booking system for larger car parks, which are due to begin reopening next Thursday.

While the trust's houses and gardens remain closed, those planning to head to national parks will be able to book a car park space online in England from Monday, with non-members required to pay a fee.

According to the Met Office's long range weather forecast, sunny weather could remain right up until June 11.

A spokesperson said: "Although with low confidence, this period looks to stay largely dry and fine with bright or sunny spells for many."

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