Parts of the UK could see temperatures soar as high as 24C over the next week as a final hit of summer sun shines on the country.
Rain and more autumnal weather has swept across the UK since the start of September. It came after the Met Office confirmed the hottest summer on record, with parts of the country experiencing as many as five heatwaves and remaining in drought as a result.
But forecasters said there could be one more chance for summer sunshine as a “heat dome” moving from North Africa sends temperatures soaring again.
Pleasant and sunny conditions are forecast from Sunday, when parts of the south east will see the mercury climb above 20C, and temperatures will be in the high teens more widely.
There will be some cloud and scattered showers across northern areas on Monday, but the south of England is expected to be largely warm and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 23C, the Met Office said.
The highest temperatures of the week are expected on Tuesday, when parts of London and the south East will see late afternoon highs of 24C and bright sunshine will dominate across the south and midlands.
Sunshine will continue across the south and south west on Wednesday, with forecasters predicting some cloud cover to move eastwards. But temperatures will remain warm in London and the south east, with highs of around 23C.
The Met Office said: “The change begins with developments over the Atlantic. A deep area of low pressure is expected to form well to the west of the UK. Although this system is not forecast to move directly across the country, it is likely to drag warmer air up from the continent and subtropical Atlantic.
“High pressure will then build across the UK alongside this warmer air during the latter part of the weekend and into next week. This would mean a transition to predominantly dry and bright conditions, with sunny spells becoming more widespread.”
However, the Met Office also said the warmer weather could also be cut short by the expected arrival of a colder front from the west, the timing of which remains uncertain.
After this, conditions are likely to become “changeable”, according to the Met Office’s longer-term forecast, “with spells of rain and showers interspersed with some short-lived spells of more settled weather and temperatures returning to near normal overall”.
Met Office five day forecast
Sunday
Largely dry across the country today with plenty of sunny spells, and just a few showers in Scotland. Lighter winds compared to recent days and feeling pleasant in the sunshine. Overnight, rain moving into Northern Ireland and western Scotland, but staying dry elsewhere with clear spells. Turning chilly with a few mist patches.
Monday
Largely cloudy skies across the north with some outbreaks of light rain at times. Brighter in the south and feeling warm in the sunny spells.
Tuesday to Thursday
Dry with sunny spells for most on Tuesday and rather warm. A spell of heavy rain moves through on Thursday, followed by a dry, bright and fresh day on Thursday.
