Sunderland weather forecast: When the sunny weather will return to the region

Early statistics indicate that for the UK as a whole April 2020 was the sunniest April on record, with 46% more sunshine than an average April.

And the sunshine is set to make a return to the region next week, with some warm temperatures to match.

Here's how the forecast looks:

Friday - Cloudy

The Met Office has said it will probably be driest and brightest early on, otherwise on the cloudy side with further showers. These showers will again be slow-moving and may turn heavy at times, especially from late morning.

Maximum temperature 14 °C.

Saturday - Cloudy with rain

Showers will gradually become fewer and further between through the weekend, though rain is forecast on Saturday afternoon and into the evening.

Maximum temperature 11°C.

Sunday - Cloudy with sunny spells

There's a chance of a bit of sun between the clouds on Sunday morning, however by the afternoon cloud cover is expected to roll in and it will be a fairly dull day.

Maximum temperature 10°C.

Monday - Light showers and cloud

After a few light rain showers on Monday morning the rain should clear up though the day is expected to be mostly cloudy.

Maximum temperature 10°C.

Tuesday - Sunshine

Tuesday morning is forecast to start a little cloudy before the sun breaks through and the rest of the day should be bright and sunny.

Maximum temperature 13°C.

Wednesday - Sunny intervals

The Met Office is forecasting a cloudy spell late morning but otherwise Wednesday should be a sunny day.

Maximum temperature 12°C.

The rest of May:

After the unsettled start to May, the Met Office has said there could be a return of more settled conditions, bringing longer drier spells into the second week of May.

Temperatures should be around average for the time of year, with some warmer days possible