Parts of the UK are set to rival holiday hotspot Portugal tomorrow as temperatures soar for the bank holiday.

Britain is predicted to bask in “long sunny spells” as the drought conditions continue, the Met Office has warned.

Widespread sunshine on Sunday and Monday will only be dampened by isolated showers today (Saturday), in “average” conditions that holidaymakers can rely upon, forecasters said.

Temperatures are on course to peak at 24C in London, far below the UK’s recent 40C heatwave, though this will be as warm as Lisbon in Portugal.

Bank holiday weather for Bournemouth

In Bournemouth, the Mercury is not likely to get quite as high as the capital but could reach 22C.

Dan Stroud, a forecaster at the Met Office, said: “There will be some decent sunny spells throughout the weekend and feeling warm in the sunshine, with temperatures generally in the low to mid 20s across England and Wales.”

Sunday looks good with a largely fine and dry day forecast with temperatures slightly above average in the south so feeling warm in the sunshine.

It could be a more overcast day in Bournemouth compared to other areas but with highs of 22C, it won't be feeling chilly.

Bournemouth Echo: Temperatures could reach 22C in Bournemouth over the bank holiday. Picture: Met OfficeTemperatures could reach 22C in Bournemouth over the bank holiday. Picture: Met Office

Moving into Monday, there is plenty of sunshine forecast, particularly in the morning, with some cloud moving back in during the afternoon. Temperatures will be similar to Sunday so, overall, a fine day to celebrate not being at work.

The ongoing dry weather has seen drought declared across swathes of England, with parched grass and struggling crops, streams drying up and river, reservoir and aquifer levels low, and hosepipe bans brought in for millions as heatwaves pushed up demand for water.

Forecasters are yet to spot a sustained period of above-average rainfall, which is needed to end the drought.