CUMBRIA is set to bask in a bank holiday heatwave, according to the Met Office.

Forecasters say that Saturday is set to be the hottest day, with temperatures rising up to highs of 26 degrees celcius in Carlisle, thanks to warm air drawn up from Europe.

On Sunday, the weather will dip slightly to highs of 22 across the county, with a similar outlook on Monday.

A spokesman from the Met Office said: “There will be a return of high temperatures and sunshine in Cumbria this weekend.

“Saturday is forecast to be the warmest day, and while Sunday may get off to a slightly drizzly start, it should brighten up later.

“Along the Cumbrian coast, it’ll be slightly cooler and fresher throughout the bank holiday weekend.

“The warm weather should make conditions pleasant for walkers heading up to the fells too.”

While the north west will enjoy a return of the summer sunshine, Cumbria’s economy will also feel the heat with a bumper crop of events taking place.

Rachel Tyson, head of marketing and partnerships at Cumbria Tourism, said: “August Bank Holiday is traditionally a popular weekend for visitors to enjoy a last minute or mini-break in Cumbria, with lots of attractions and accommodation providers gearing up to welcome families wanting to make the most of the summer holidays before it’s back to school in September.

“With the weather forecast to be good we anticipate it being a busy weekend as visitors take advantage of everything that the county has to offer, from stunning landscapes to heritage and culture, great shops to delicious places to eat and drink.

“Cumbria is easily accessible and packed full of attractions suitable for families, couples, adventurers and luxury-seekers.”

Keswick agricultural show, the Ruskin & Turner exhibition at Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal, plus the Discover the Vikings public display at the Beacon Museum in Whitehaven are just four of many events happening across the region.

“Whether people live locally or come from further afield, the Bank Holiday is the ideal time to get out and explore the best of Cumbria from coast to mountain and lake to forest.

“We look forward to seeing them this weekend, to enjoy our vibrant county while supporting our £3 billion tourism economy and almost 65,000 jobs.”