THE weekend is on track to be a scorcher - with temperatures soaring as the warm spell continues.

The Met Office said the temperature in Manchester tomorrow could hit 23 degrees, which is unusually high for this time of year.

The sun is likely to carry on shining into next week, and early signs suggest May Bank Holiday weekend will also be fine.

Scientists have also revealed that this month, and the past 12 months, are on target to be the warmest since records began 348 years ago.

A Met Office spokesman said: "There will be bright sunshine and the temperature could reach 23 degrees in Manchester on Sunday afternoon.

"Early next week there is a chance of some thundery evening showers - typical summer weather, rather than what we'd expect in April. It's a bit early to say what next weekend will bring, but it looks like good weather will continue."

Effects

The warming trend since the 1980s echoes climate predictions from the Met Office Hadley Centre, which carries out research on the effects climate change could have here and around the world.

Climate scientists Dr Debbie Hemming said: "The effects of temperature rise are being experienced on a global scale.

"Many regions projected to experience the largest climate changes are already vulnerable to environmental stress from resource shortages, rapid urbanisation, population rise and industrial development."

The first smog of 2007 could result from warm, sunny weather forecast over the next few days.

The government said moderate ozone levels are predicted from tomorrow for south-east England and the Midlands.

High ozone levels on Sunday are likely to extend to the rest of England and Wales and persist until at least Monday. Some people are more sensitive than others and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said those with asthma were not necessarily more sensitive, but people should take sensible precautions.

Regular updates on particulate levels are available on Teletext page 156, at www.airquality.co.uk (Air Quality Information Archive) and the Department's freephone helpline 0800 55 66 77.