Earlier in the week the bookies were giving very short odds for a warm weekend reaching 25C (77F), with 6-1 offered for a scorching 27C (81F).

And it looks like a very good bet, because the weekend will be hot and sunny, thanks to high pressure in control.

In fact, May is often a good month for taking a holiday in the UK, with more high-pressure systems on average than any of the summer months. If you are looking for a truly memorable May holiday, northwest Scotland is a good recommendation. Although this region is better known for wet westerly winds sweeping off the Atlantic, these westerlies usually slacken off in May. That can leave stunning blue skies, and with only a few weeks to go to the summer solstice, the long days and sun high in the sky lead to glorious sunshine. The island of Tiree off the West Coast of Scotland averages about 235 hours sunshine in May. In comparison, the average May sunshine for Edinburgh or York is about 200 hours, as the eastern side of the country can suffer cloud or mist if northeasterly winds drag moisture off the North Sea.

There is, however, a drawback to a British holiday in May. A dip in the sea can be a truly chilling experience, as the sea temperature is as cold as in November.