The UK is expected to take a break from persistent downpours over the Easter weekend, ushering in some sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Forecasters say Saturday and Sunday will look more like spring after a week of flooding that disrupted train services and high winds that forced bridge closures.

But rain is likely to return on Easter Monday and Tuesday.

Storm Nelson brought winds of up to 74 mph on Thursday, preventing planes from landing and train and ferry services being canceled.

Snow fell in parts of southwest England and Wales on Wednesday night, with temperatures in west Devon falling to -1.2C.

Official yellow warnings for rain and wind remained in place for London and southeast, southwest and east England on Friday, although parts of the south experienced prolonged spells of fine weather.

The Met Office said showers will be more scattered on Saturday, with the strongest showers in the west, but parts of the east will remain dry.

Winds will ease and temperatures could reach 15C in south-east England and 13C in northern England and eastern Scotland.

Forecasters say showers will remain on Sunday, mainly in the southwest. But maximum temperatures could reach 16C in central and southern England and 15C in the northwest.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris said: “After the widespread instability over the past few days, the weather is expected to gradually improve, with fairly typical spring-like weather across the UK.

“There will be some sunshine and as the winds get lighter it will feel warmer and warmer for most people.

“However, showers are also possible in the west, particularly in the south-west, which may be very heavy and frequent at times.”

Sunday morning British Summer Time saw clocks move forward an hour, bringing with it a brighter night.

The Met Office said it was likely to be mostly sunny on Monday, with northern England being driest but rain likely in southern and south-east England. It is possible that this condition may eventually become more common in England and Wales.