Greater Manchester weather for the weekend as 'African plume' hits

Sunny spells and warm temperatures are predicted for Manchester this weekend, as weather experts predict the UK could be hit by an extreme weather front dubbed the 'Africa plume' by the end of May.

Weather maps show that high pressure will soon replace the wet and windy conditions most of the country has endured so far this spring, with temperatures predicted to rocket up to highs of 35C, reports the Mirror. The Met Office's long-range forecast, which covers the period from Tuesday May 23 to Thursday June 1, states that high pressure "will dominate over most of the UK through the first half of this period, with settled conditions for most of the country".

The predicted warm weather fronts will "bring a good deal of fine and dry weather for the majority of areas". Before this, though, Mancunians can still look forward a dry and settled weekend - with perhaps more enjoyable, warm temperatures.

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Uninterrupted sunshine is forecast for Saturday (May 20) - yes, that's right! Morning temperatures will start out at 12C, climbing to 20C by the late afternoon.

The sun will set at around 9.10pm, giving you plenty of time to maker the most of the light. A clear night is then forecast, as the mercury drops to 9C overnight.

Despite the warm conditions, the pollen count is forecast to be low on Saturday - which is great news for hay fever sufferers. Meanwhile UV levels will be high all day, so don't forget to apply sun cream.

Following a glorious Saturday, Sunday will remain dry but unfortunately not as sunny. Intervals of sunshine are forecast from the morning until around 1pm, when the remaining clouds will lift.

Temperatures will peak at 20C as more