Parts of the UK saw the sunniest May for eight years, it was revealed today.
Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, released its monthly review which found England and Wales had basked in above average levels of sunshine.
The sunniest place was tiny Fair Isle, lying between Orkney and Shetland, which saw 279 hours of sunshine in total. The month ended with a flourish as high temperatures combined with the sunshine to provide a definite summery feel.
The good weather, which arrived with a vengeance on the 23rd, prompted many to dust off their barbecues or head for the nearest beaches.
The hottest temperature was recorded in the Scottish Highlands, with the mercury rising to 26.5C at Loch Shin on the 29th.
England and Wales saw 226 hours of sunshine, Scotland 236. Northern Ireland saw 212. The sunshine levels in England and Wales were the highest for eight years.
Rain was a factor earlier in the month, particularly in the western Highlands, with 298mm recorded at Inveruglas, Dunbartonshire, compared to just 19mm at Manston, Kent.
In England and Wales, rainfall was down on the previous three Mays, which were all significantly wetter.
England and Wales saw 55mm of rain, which was below average. Scotland saw 81mm, 140% of the normal amount.
Northern Ireland's rainfall was also above average, with 76mm representing 142% of the average.
Forecasters use data from 1971 to 2000 to calculate average rainfall and temperatures. Forecaster Paul Mott said: "It was warm over much of the UK, particularly towards the end of the month. It was also sunnier than average. Summer does seem to have arrived and we will see a dry settled spell for the next few days."
* Weather
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/may/31/uk-weather-sunshine-may-hot
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