The Met Office has said 'middle of summer' temperatures are set to return to the UK next week, with the mercury climbing to 25C. Forecasters predict four consecutive days of 20C-plus weather, with the highest temperature expected on Tuesday (September 22) in south-east England.
Weekend warmth and Tuesday peak
This weekend is also set to be warm, but next week could bring cooler autumn days and even 'overnight frost', the weather service adds. On Saturday (September 19), temperatures should hit 23C, and the high will be 21C on Sunday (September 20), both in London. Monday (September 21) will be warmer still at 23C.
Regional forecasts and showers
The Met Office forecast for Saturday is: "Cloud and patchy rain or drizzle linger across southern England and Wales, though brighter in the east. Elsewhere, sunny spells and blustery showers. Windy across northern areas."
The outlook for Sunday to Tuesday is: "Dry but rather cloudy on Sunday with some overnight rain. Rather cloudy on Monday and Tuesday with some sunny spells and lighter winds and turning a little warmer."
Away from the south-east, temperatures should reach 23C in Cardiff on Tuesday, 19C in Belfast, 18C in Glasgow, and 22C in Manchester at the same time. There will be some showers across the country on Saturday, with Scotland, south-west England, and Wales in particular set for downpours. However, the skies clear on Sunday to make way for 'middle of summer' temperatures.
Forecaster's view and autumn cool-down
"We've still got some showers early on across Scotland, otherwise it's simply a drier and brighter picture for Sunday," said Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern.
"As Sunday ends, higher pressure builds from the south. A warm front pushes across the northwest, bringing some cloud and rain for a time early in the week, but with that high pressure in place on Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will rise back up to the average temperatures for the middle of summer."
However, it looks like an autumnal cool will arrive from Wednesday (September 23) onwards, which could bring 'overnight fog and frost' but 'temperatures are expected to be slightly above average overall'.
