While many are eagerly awaiting the weather forecast for the coronation next weekend, the early May bank holiday looks set to bring sunny spells across England.

"The long weekend is approaching and the weather has finally warmed," Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said.

"For southern parts with the sunshine coming through, away from any showers, temperatures (are) reaching 18C to even 20 or 21C."

But Mr McGivern warned some areas of the UK will also experience cool temperatures, showers and thunderstorms.

There may be "sharp showers" in Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, the West Midlands and northwest England - with "slow moving thunderstorms" and even hail forming.

Scotland and northeast England were also said to expect "grey and chilly" weather on Saturday.

On Sunday, Mr McGivern said the country will see "bright spells emerge, temperatures rise, relatively humid air and risk of sharp showers or thunderstorms for some".

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: "It's a bank holiday weekend and it's going to get warmer, but it's been such a cold week that would not be too hard."

UK weather - latest Sky News forecast

He added that temperatures are "going to be on the rise" and the UK should experience "some reasonably warm sunshine".

Chris Almond, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said on Monday "the focus for showers is more likely to be the east, with drier conditions elsewhere. Temperatures will be reasonable and above average."

Royal watchers have been waiting with bated breath for weather reports as the coronation day edges closer.

Sky News has analysed the weather on the first weekend of May for the last 10 years to predict whether the royal weekend will be a sunny day celebrating or a washout.

Early forecasts suggest the day will be dry and mild with "fairly settled conditions" according to the Met Office.