EAST LANCASHIRE is set to bask in the sun this weekend as warm weather sweeps across Europe.

Temperatures on Friday could reach highs of 22 °C in the area and hot conditions will continue into Saturday with predictions of 26°C in towns including Accrington and Burnley.

It comes as a massive heatwave spreads across Southern and Western Europe, causing some areas to reach record temperatures in the mid-40s.

Met Office chief meteorologist, Steve Willington explained that the heatwave will push very warm air from Western parts of Europe over to the UK.

He said: “It’ll be warm with sunny spells across many southwestern and western parts of the UK for the remainder of this week; however an easterly breeze will keep eastern parts of the UK much cooler and, at times, cloudier."

Met Office forecasters have also warned hayfever sufferers in East Lancashire to be careful throughout the weekend, with pollen levels set to rise once again.

Temperatures will fall on Sunday, although it will remain warm with highs reaching 19°C.