Laura DevlinIt's not something we come to expect from a typical British Bank Holiday, but the extra-long weekend ahead of next week's half-term break is set to be warm, sunny and mostly dry.Laura Devlin

It's not something we come to expect from a typical British Bank Holiday, but the extra-long weekend ahead of next week's half-term break is set to be warm, sunny and mostly dry.

The sun has been shining over the past week and, for once, it isn't due to disappear behind dark rain clouds the moment most of us clock off this afternoon for three days of freedom.

In fact, all signs are good for both Saturday and Sunday, with only a question mark hanging over Monday, which may see a spot of rain.

But, as Emma Coombs of Weatherquest explained, it may prove a good opportunity to visit some indoor attractions after soaking up the sunshine at the beach or in the garden during the first part of the weekend.

'It's looking like not a bad weekend, at least for the bulk of it,' said Ms Coombs, who is based at the University of East Anglia.

'It's looking fine and dry across the whole region on Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees, if not 21, with some light winds. There will perhaps be some patchy mist to burn off on Saturday morning but then it will get out fine. Good barbecue weather!

'The sticking point is Bank Holiday Monday; it's by no means a certainty but there is a chance of showers coming up from the south.'

Those making the most of our stunning coastline this weekend have been warned to take care in the water, especially when the sunshine may give a false sense of safety and tranquillity.

A Coastguard spokesman said: 'If the wind is westerly or south-westerly it would be an off-shore wind and people with inflatables should keep them tethered to the shore and if children are using them keep them in sight and close by at all times.'

Roadworks should not be hamper any trips in our region but with the recession keeping many Brits in the UK, AA Roadwatch is stepping up the usual 'leave early and take your time' advice. It estimates that there will be a third more traffic than normal on popular routes today.

Among the Bank Holiday motoring hotspots predicted by TrafficMaster are those that are already well known to drivers in the eastern region - the A47 from Peterborough to Yarmouth, and the A11 between the Newmarket Bypass and Thetford.

Rail passengers should be aware of some alterations to train services. The Norwich to London Liverpool Street service will be replaced by coaches between Ingatestone and Liverpool Street station on all three days. On Saturday, the last two services from London Liverpool Street will be replaced by bus between Diss and Norwich, which will also affect the two out-going trains between Norwich and Diss on Sunday morning.

On Bank Holiday Monday, most services operated by National Express East Anglia will run on a Sunday timetable, with some extra services available in the morning.

The East Midlands Trains service between Norwich and Liverpool Lime Street will not run on Sunday.

Meanwhile, rail passengers planning to use the King's Lynn to King's Cross service need only be aware of one change to the normal timetable, when buses will replace trains between Hitchin and Ely at around 11.30pm on Monday.