Areas in Wales like Barry and Penarth are set to enjoy temperatures of up to 22°C, with a run of dry, settled days that will feel “Mediterranean,” according to forecasts.
The Met Office predicts “drier, brighter and warmer” conditions beginning on Thursday, with Friday described as “mostly sunny and very warm.”
High pressure is expected to bring sustained sunshine and only a slight risk of late-afternoon showers.
Temperatures across the region are forecast to reach the low 20s throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, making it one of the warmest spells of the year so far.
Compared to typical May temperatures for this part of Wales, the current forecast marks a substantial rise.
The Vale of Glamorgan usually records daytime averages of around 13°C, with only the very warmest May days reaching the mid-20s.
The weather pattern stands in stark contrast to the more unpredictable conditions that residents are used to at this time of year.
Around 45 per cent of days in the Vale typically see some rainfall.
The Met Office said: “Drier, brighter and warmer” from Thursday, with Friday “mostly sunny and very warm.”
This change in weather will be welcome news to anyone planning a day out along the South Wales coast.
Beachgoers and visitors can expect long, sunny spells, light winds, and only a minimal risk of evening showers.
While the weather may feel unusually warm for South Wales, comparisons to popular Mediterranean destinations such as southern Spain should be taken with a pinch of salt.
However, in Penarth, the mercury is expected to climb to a pleasant 22°C on Friday.
Although the forecast falls a few degrees short of southern Spain, it still comfortably exceeds the Welsh average for this time of year.
