People set to go on a post-Christmas walk on Thursday will be able to leave their umbrellas at home, with another day of dry and mild weather expected for much of the country.

Boxing Day temperatures are set to reach a high of 12C in the south-west of England, and 11C in Wales, the Met Office said.

Cloudy conditions are likely in southern parts, but it will be brighter across northern areas where temperatures will be cooler.

But rain will affect central and southern Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland, the forecaster said.

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: “It’s another cloudy and mild day, with a few glimmers of brightness, particularly in north-east England and the Midlands.

“Some places in northern Scotland like the Shetland Isles should see some sunshine.”

Boxing Day is a popular choice for outdoor swimmers hoping to enjoy a festive dip.

On Christmas Day, bathers across the country took advantage of the milder temperatures to take the plunge.

The mildest start to a Christmas Day on record was recorded for Northern Ireland and Scotland.

In Kinloss, Moray, temperatures reached 11.9C, while at Killowen, Co Down, it peaked at 11C for the 24-hour period ending at 9am, the Met Office said.

A mild, mostly cloudy day is also expected on Friday, the forecaster said, before the weather turns brighter, but colder with blustery showers into the weekend.