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Households across the UK are being urged to keep their curtains closed on Sunday (May 24). It comes as the Met Office forecasts warmer weather to hit the nation with temperatures set to hit 26C.

In its long-range forecast, which runs from Saturday, May 23 until Monday, June 1, the forecaster states: "Saturday will be warm with some showery weather and even a chance of thunderstorms in places. Then by Sunday and through Bank Holiday Monday, warm and fair weather is expected to prevail." According to weather maps from the Met Office, the mercury will hit 26C in London at 4pm on Sunday. Meawhile, it will be 25C in Reading and Cambridge while other areas across the Midlands and the south of England will see conditions of 24C at the same time.

The Red Cross advises households to find alternative methods to keep their homes cool when the weather warms up as most buildings in the UK aren't designed for the summer heat. They added: "If you're finding it hard to keep your home cool follow our tips that are easy to apply and cost-effective."

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The humanitarian society advises to "close curtains and blinds" when the weather warms up. They explained: "Even with the windows closed, sun shining through the glass can warm your home up quickly.

"Make sure to cover windows during the day to protect from direct sunlight like blinds, curtains, or external shutters. If you don't have anything to block out the sun, hanging a bed sheet or towel should have a similar effect."

Meanwhile, the NHS also advises households to "keep your living space cool". The health service urges people to "close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down".

The warnings come as temperatures are expected to surge across the UK this Sunday. The Met Office expects the hotter weather to remain on Bank Holiday Monday and into next week.

The long-range forecast states: "Saturday will be warm with some showery weather and even a chance of thunderstorms in places. Then by Sunday and through Bank Holiday Monday, warm and fair weather is expected to prevail. Through the following week, high pressure is expected to broadly remain in place for much of the UK, and fine weather is likely to continue for most of the country.

"There may be occasions where low pressure to the north may bring some brief spells of rain across northern parts, but in general fair weather will dominate. Temperatures are expected to be above normal, feeling very warm at times with light winds."