London enjoys its hottest weekend of the year with temperatures hitting 26C on Saturday, following Friday’s high of 25C. Residents took to local parks to enjoy the warm May weather, amid warnings from the Met Office about elevated UV and pollen levels. The pleasant conditions are anticipated to continue on Sunday, with another high of 25C, before the weather changes to cooler and showery conditions starting Monday, with expected temperatures around 17C-18C.

In another meteorological spectacle, the Northern Lights dazzled UK skies on Friday night and are expected to be visible again on Saturday night. The Met Office has reported sightings from various parts of the UK including Inverness, Kent, and Norwich, predicting favorable conditions for viewing in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England and Wales. Best visibility is expected after 22:30 BST. This rare occurrence was prompted by an “extreme” geomagnetic storm caused by increased solar activity. To capture the phenomenon, expert Anne Wilkie advises using night mode and exposure settings on cameras.

Meanwhile, across the UK, temperatures are soaring with London and Cambridge experiencing highs up to 23C on Sunday, while other regions like Manchester and Cardiff are also enjoying warm weather. However, yellow thunderstorm warnings are in effect, indicating potential disruptions due to heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Despite nearing peak temperatures this weekend, the upcoming week is poised to bring thunderstorms and a considerable drop in temperatures, marking the end of the warm spell.