Dark glasses could be the order of the day as sunshine breaks through early-morning mist in Surrey and south London.

Despite a chilly and misty start to the day, forecasters are predicting temperatures to rise as high as 19C today as the sun breaks through.

The Met Office said the day would develop into a warm one, with good sunny spells across the south east.

"Misty to start, especially in the east," said a forecaster.

"Becoming brighter through the morning away from the Kent coast, leading to a dry day with some good sunny spells. Feeling fairly warm."

Tonight is set to begin clear, with clouds and mist developing before dawn, with temperatures dropping to around 6C.

Friday will see much of the same as today, with early fog and mist replaced by sunny spells by the afternoon.

The forecaster said: "Generally rather cloudy and misty at first but sunny spells developing by the afternoon.

"However, eastern coastal areas may be rather grey and misty at times. Feeling warm again."

Temperatures tomorrow could hit 20C, he added.