As the mercury climbed to a delightful 22C on Saturday, Britons eagerly embraced the opportunity to bask in the sun, flocking to beaches, parks, and pub gardens. This surge of outdoor activity came in tandem with the Met Office’s latest forecast for the iconic London Marathon.

From the picturesque shores of Dorset to the vibrant streets of the capital, people seized the chance to enjoy the long-awaited sunshine. Towels and pints in hand, they made the most of the glorious weather.

The favorable conditions are set to persist throughout the weekend, providing a bright backdrop as approximately 59,000 runners hit London’s streets. Among them are notable figures such as actor and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo and McFly’s Harry Judd, adding a touch of celebrity sparkle to the event.

Sunday promises temperatures reaching 20C in London, offering ideal conditions for marathon participants and spectators alike. However, those in Scotland and Northern Ireland might need their umbrellas, as cloudier skies and showers are expected.

Moving into Monday, the north and east of the UK will see continued rainfall, with some areas experiencing particularly heavy downpours.

Meanwhile, along the Dorset coast, beachgoers gathered in numbers on Saturday. Bournemouth was a hive of activity, while the more adventurous took to kayaking in the scenic holiday setting of West Bay.

City dwellers soaked in the rays in the capital’s parks, including Wimbledon Common in southwest London, and on the southern bank of the River Thames.

The Met Office said: ‘Much of the UK today saw dry weather with plenty of sunshine. 

Beachgoers enjoyed a warm and sunny Saturday on the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset

City dwellers sprawled across Wimbledon Common, southwest London, as temperatures reached highs of 22C

Sea kayakers made the most of the good weather as they prepared to take to the water at West Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

Londoners enjoyed the weather on the southern bank of the River Thames, as they looked out on to the City of London on Saturday

Horse riders passed through Wimbledon village in the sunshine on Saturday

‘The northeast of Scotland and northeast England were cloudier and cooler. Highs reached 22.5C.’

It said on Saturday night ‘cloud will thicken across some areas, with a few fog patches’.

‘Patchy frost’ was forecast alongside dry conditions in the countryside, with ‘lows of -1C or -2C’. 

While the day is ‘generally cloudier’ on Sunday, the Met Office said: ‘There will be some hazy spells of sunshine, the best of these across southern England and Wales. 

‘The risk of some showers, mainly across Scotland. Highs reaching 21C or 22C.’

London is forecast to have sunny spells, while runners should prepare for rising temperatures in the late morning and early afternoon as they take on the 26.1-mile route. 

Forecasters said: ‘Sunday’s London Marathon is likely to take place under largely dry and settled conditions. 

‘After a cool, potentially misty start, brighter spells should develop and temperatures will rise to feel warm for many by the afternoon.

‘Light winds and dry weather point towards pleasant, spring-like day overall, well-suited to one of the capital’s biggest sporting events.’

The 2018 London Marathon was officially the hottest on record. 

More than 40,000 runners ran the race in temperatures of 24.1C, which was recorded in St James’s Park. 

Next week, conditions are forecast to ‘stay largely dry with sunny spells’. The Met Office said: ‘There is a risk of a few showers, mainly on Monday. 

‘Maximum temperatures generally around 17-20C, so remaining above average.’