BRIGHTON can expect to see more warm weather and sunshine this week after the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures reached 20C in some parts of the country on Saturday for the first time since October, the Met Office said.

In Brighton and Hove, temperatures reached highs of 16C on Saturday as the city basked in sunshine.

Photos taken from high above Hove seafront earlier showed people enjoying a walk along the promenade, blue skies and crystal-clear waters.

Forecasters said there are “plenty of sunny spells to come and temperatures will rise a little bit” in the week ahead, after a cooler Sunday.

Highs of 19C are predicted on Tuesday, before temperatures hold steady in most of England at around 17C or 18C through the rest of the week and into the weekend – warmer than the average for March.

The vast majority of the UK is set to see continued sunny spells and dry conditions.

The pleasant conditions are due to the jet stream tracking well to the north of the UK, letting high pressure dominate from the east.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “This week is going to be very similar. We’re going to keep high pressure just to the east of the UK and that means it will be largely dry and settled with plenty of sunny spells.

“There is the odd exception, there could just be an isolated shower across the Midlands on Monday, perhaps northern England on Tuesday, but they’re going to be very isolated and most places will be dry and sunny.”

Mr Dewhurst added sheltered areas “will continue to be on the pleasant and warm side”.

The temperature is expected to remain above average into the weekend but will then drop slightly into the following week.

This is the Met Office weather forecast for Brighton and Hove from to Tuesday, March 22 to Friday, March 25

Tuesday:

Any fog patches clearing by mid-morning, then dry with sunny spells and light winds. Feeling warm. Maximum temperature 18 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Mainly dry with sunny spells and light winds. Patchy mist and fog possible in the mornings. Warm by day but remaining chilly overnight with some frost possible.