BLACKBURN and the surrounding areas are set for a miniature heatwave this bank holiday weekend, a Met Office forecast shows.
Temperatures will sit at a comfortable 17 degrees celsius heading into Friday, before rising slightly along with periods of bright sunshine on Saturday.
According to experts, Sunday will see the best of the weather with extended sunny periods and highs of 20C.
Climbing temperatures and longer, drier days will come as welcome relief having endured what is thought to be one of the wettest Mays on record - the current record is 131.7mm of rain set in 1967.
With the easing of lockdown restrictions meaning that al-fresco and indoor dining are permitted over this bank holiday weekend, the hospitality sector is expected to thrive in the heat.
The good weather is not limited to the North West, however, with the rest of the United Kingdom expecting an upturn in temperatures - with highs of 22C predicted nationwide.
Meteorologists are also predicting that the UK could enjoy days in early June of up to 24C.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here