UK Temperatures to Rise into the Low 20s This Week

After a spell of below-average temperatures, the UK is set for a gradual warming trend through the week ahead.

Temperatures will climb from the mid to high teens into the low twenties for much of the country from mid-week. Parts of south-east England could reach 26C by Friday, though forecasters note some uncertainty at this range.

Sunshine will appear at times, but showers and longer spells of rain will also occur. Northerly winds have kept readings 4-7C below average this week, with showers, thunderstorms and hail reported widely.

Thunderstorms and hail are typical for this time of year as longer daylight and rising warmth fuel stronger showers.

Winds will turn more westerly over the weekend, bringing a milder feel though the pattern will stay mixed. Saturday is expected to start bright before cloud and rain arrive from the west in Northern Ireland and western parts of England and Wales.

By Sunday, temperatures should reach 12-16C, near the seasonal average. Lighter winds will make it feel warmer than earlier in the week. Showers will be mainly limited to northern and western areas, with sunny spells elsewhere.