THE UK is set to bask in balmy conditions as temperatures warmer than Greece are expected this weekend.

Forecasters are predicting that the mercury could rise to 17C in London on Sunday - warmer than the 14C forecast in Athens.

The UK remains in a partial lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, so people wishing to enjoy the warm spell will have to make do with spending it in their gardens or on their daily exercise outing.

People have been urged to avoid all but essential travel while the pandemic continues.

The warm weather will be tempered, however, by strong winds, with gusts reaching 40mph in some places.

The Met Office said temperatures will rise through the rest of this week towards the weekend.

A spokesman said: "Isolated showers are possible at times [on Friday] but these will ease with many parts staying dry.

"Some sunny spells should develop as the cloud breaks during the afternoon.

"Mostly dry through the weekend with sunny spells. Becoming warm, but also windy.

"Outbreaks of rain moving east later Sunday and into Monday with sunshine and showers following."

Saturday will see highs of 15C across London.

While temperatures are set to remain in the teens next week, the Met Office is warning that more unsettled weather could be on the way.

In their forecast for Monday, April 6 to Wednesday, April 15, the agency said: "The beginning of this period looks unsettled with Atlantic weather systems bringing frequent bands of wet and windy conditions across the UK from the south or southwest.

"Weather systems will likely be interspersed by brighter and showery interludes, with the best chance of any fine weather in eastern parts.

"There remains a chance of wintry showers during any bright and showery interludes over northern hills.

"Temperatures likely around average, though there is the potential for some warmer days in the east.

"There remains a low chance that more general settled conditions could develop to begin, bringing much drier and less windy weather.

"Confidence is low, but conditions at the end of the period may become quite changeable, as spells of unsettled weather alternate back and forth with more settled conditions."