The UK will be hotter than Istanbul following the warmest Christmas Day and Boxing Day on record.
And the balmy weather is set to continue into the new year, especially in the west, with temperatures ideal for partygoers welcoming in 2019, forecasters say.
The only possible problem will be a “big blanket of cloud” which, while keeping Britain much milder than usual and warmer even than the Turkish capital, could scupper firework displays across the country if it stays too low.
Double-digit temperatures are expected to last into January, with Cornwall, Yorkshire and Pembrokeshire and Gwynedd in Wales topping 10C this afternoon.
Sunny spells have been forecast for much of the south and north-east of England, although Scotland is likely to experience drizzle.
But for most parts, temperatures should continue to be higher than average for December, with Istanbul set to reach only 6C.
’“’’
“’’’’”