[Patrick]

The daffodils are out, the sky has turned blue and temperatures have risen considerably - not only has spring finally sprung, it could also preempt a barbecue summer, say the weather experts.

No, not the Met Office but Positive Weather Solutions, the forecasting company who managed to correctly predict that last summer would be a wash-out is confident that we're finally in for a sizzling summer.
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Positive Weather Solutions says average temperatures in June, July and August are on course to beat those of 1976, the hottest summer yet when temperatures exceeded 89.6f (32c) for 15 days from late June to early July.

This year a two-week spell at the start of August is expected to be hotter than the UK's highest ever temperature, the 38.5c (101.3f) recorded at Brogdale, near Faversham, Kent, on August 10, 2003.



PWS said summer 2010 will break records as El Nino, which warms the Pacific Ocean, combines with the effects of the Atlantic jet stream weather pattern and the Azores high pressure region.

Senior forecaster Jonathan Powell said: 'There will be stifling temperatures, making it possibly the warmest UK summer on record and placing it at least in the top three warmest summers recorded.'

He predicted 'dry spells with pleasant sunshine' and said the best time to book a holiday would probably be mid-July.

Mr Powell added: 'A very warm summer has been on the cards for some years, and the Met Office believed it was likely to happen last year. But now it is time to get the barbecue out - and people should be able to find a good deal on one after last year's Met Office forecast.'


The Postive Weather Solutions summer forecast

JUNE: Starts with fine weather. Rain mid-month but temperatures warm to very warm. Changeable later in month with fine conditions although some heavy rain to finish.

JULY: Starts unsettled with some rain, then dry through mid-month with warm to very warm temperatures, lots of sunshine and light breeze. Humid towards end of the month with thunderstorms and possible flash floods.

AUGUST:Thunderstorms quickly replaced by unbroken sunshine which may cause record temperatures. Warm mid-month and Britain sees a 2 week heat wave, but broken up by unsettled periods. Good weather towards month end before showery, cooler conditions move in.

Brilliant