The country has taken its first steps away from lockdown this week, and right on time, three days of glorious sunshine has swept the capital.

Peaking at a dazzling 23°, the hot weather started on Monday, March 29, the day lockdown eased, and is expected to continue to for the next two to three days.

London is set to be hotter than Ibiza, Tenerife and Corfu during the three-day period, and millions are expected to be flocking to their nearest park for a catch up with friends and family.

Hot weather expected throughout today and tomorrow as lockdown eases. PA

Hot weather expected throughout today and tomorrow as lockdown eases. PA

The Met Office has said that a high of 23C (75.2F) is “on the cards” in London on Tuesday with a “small chance” that temperatures could reach as high as 24C.

The warm weather coincides with the easing of England’s lockdown measures, with the “stay at home” order ending, groups of six people, or two households, now able to meet outside.

Outdoor sporting venues such as football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs have also reopened.

Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said: "It's looking like a beautiful day, lots of sunshine clear blue sky and warm temperatures."

"It will be really warm for the time of year."

So we've run an hour by hour forecast of what you can expect and when, as predicted by the Met Office.

Tuesday, March 30

Now (11am): The Met Office is currently recording 13° in south London and sunshine, something we can definitely confirm! The weather is only expected to get hotter during the day.

12am: 15° and sunshine

1pm: 18° and sunshine

2pm: 20° and sunshine

4pm: 21° and sunshine

6pm: 20° and sunshine

8pm: 18° and sunshine

10pm: 15° and night

Hot weather expected throughout today and tomorrow as lockdown eases. PA

Hot weather expected throughout today and tomorrow as lockdown eases. PA

Wednesday, March 31

Wednesday is set to be another scorcher, with temperature peaking at 21° (23° on BBC Weather London).

8am: 13° and sun/cloud

10am: 16° and sunshine

12pm: 19° and sunshine

2pm: 21° and sunshine

4pm: 21° and sun/cloud

6pm: 20° and sunshine

8pm: 18° and sun/cloud

10pm: 18° and cloud/night.

Hot weather expected throughout today and tomorrow as lockdown eases. PA

Hot weather expected throughout today and tomorrow as lockdown eases. PA

Thursday, April 1

A little further away, and not predicted to be quite as hot, Thursday will see 'normal' weather resume.

7am: 10° and sunny/cloudy

10am: 12° and sunny/cloudy

1pm: 15° and sunny/cloudy

4pm: 16° and sunny/cloudy

7pm: 12° and sunny