UK weather: Sunshine and soaring temperatures to return in time for weekend - but expect rain first

Barbecues at the ready - it's going to be fine once more

Britain’s glorious summer is set to make a return this weekend with temperatures soaring up to the mid-20s and sunshine expected throughout Saturday.

Barbecues could be dusted off once more with London and the south east expected to enjoy a bright and warm Saturday, the Met Office has said.

But there will be clouds, showers and wind to endure first – with a mixed bag of weather forecast for the week ahead.

“Temperatures on Saturday look like they could reach 23C at their highest in the south east,” meteorologist Bonnie Diamond told The Independent. “It will be hazy sunshine but it will feel fine and warm. In the north it will be a little cooler but only by a couple of degrees.”

The week before then will be less pleasant with rain hitting all parts of the UK as a weather front drifts in from the north and west.

“You can almost split the country into three bands on Tuesday,” said Ms Diamond. “In Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England, there will be occasional sunshine but mainly cloudy with showers. In Wales and the Midlands, it will be cloudy with just a scattering of rain and some breaks of sunshine. And in the south, it will be bright and warm with occasional cloud cover.”

By Wednesday, that front will be heading south and east meaning the rain will spread across the Midlands, reaching London and the south by Thursday.

“Friday will then be dry across most of the UK with occasional showers, especially in Northern Ireland and Scotland,” said Ms Diamond.

After Saturday’s return to good weather, she said Sunday looked like being overcast once more.