Temperatures are set to soar to highs of 29C this weekend as a week of rain and cloud makes way for sunshine.
Showery spells and unsettled conditions are expected to dominate the week, with a chance of hail and thunder in places.
But forecasters say a spell of “above average” temperatures and bright conditions is on the way from Saturday and into next week.
The Met Office predicts below-average temperatures throughout the week as it warned of chilly and wet weather. Stormy conditions are expected on Tuesday across the north of England, where forecasters said hail and thunder are possible.
open image in galleryThis is set to culminate in a deluge of rain forecast to blanket the UK on Thursday, before moving eastwards.
But the outlook is expected to turn brighter from Friday, with temperatures climbing to the early twenties in the south east of England as pressure builds across the country.
From Saturday, temperatures are expected to soar to as high as 29C, with potential for even higher in some places.
Deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: “From this weekend the UK forecast will have a distinctly warmer and drier component with a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures, with values in some locations quite likely to reach 27 to 29C, with the potential for higher values than this.”
High pressure is expected to remain close by to the UK until Tuesday, bringing widely settled conditions and often above-average temperatures.
Forecasters said settled conditions are “likely” to continue into next week, but warned temperatures may not remain as warm.
open image in galleryFull forecast for this week
Monday
A wet start across England and Wales as a band of rain, heavy at times, moves southeastwards. Sunshine and showers across Northern Ireland and Scotland, with this spreading to most areas by the end of the day. Cool and breezy.
Monday night
Mostly dry in the evening across England and Wales, but frequent showers for Northern Ireland and Scotland. These spreading to most areas overnight. Turning rather chilly under the clearest skies.
Tuesday
Sunny spells and showers. Showers most frequent in the North, where they could be heavy and thundery at times. A cool-feeling day for the time of year.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Sunshine and showers Wednesday. Rain pushing eastwards Thursday, followed by sunshine and showers Friday. Staying on the cool side, though turning a little warmer in the far South East come Friday.