UK weather: Former tropical storm Ernesto set to bring wind and rain over weekend – before sun returns next week

Gusts of 50mph predicted for Scotland and showers elsewhere before warm weather makes a comeback

The last lashings of a former tropical storm are set to batter swathes of the UK this weekend – before temperatures begin to climb again ahead of a sunny bank holiday.

Winds of up to 50mph could hit the north of Scotland while rain sweeps across Northern Ireland, Wales, southern Scotland and northwest England on Saturday night and Sunday morning. The south will fare little better, with strong gusts and drizzle predicted.

But the Met Office says that once former tropical storm Ernesto passes off over the east coast on Sunday afternoon, brighter, drier weather will return once more.

Meteorologist Emma Smith told The Independent: “It will stay a little changeable in the north and northwest of the country with showers still a possibility into Sunday evening but, overall, conditions will become more settled with warmer than average temperatures expected across much of the country.

“Again, the south and southeast will have the best of it with temperatures potentially reaching 26C in London. As we go into the evening, it will stay warm meaning a muggy and sticky night.”

Heading into next week, Ms Smith said the same pattern as last fortnight will emerge once again with the south enjoying calmer, brighter weather, while the north is more likely to experience the occasional shower.

“Overall, temperatures will be above average for this time – low and mid twenties – so while that is not as hot as we have experienced this summer, it will still feel warm,” she said.

The bank holiday weekend will remain pleasant for most of the country, although there is a chance of rain especially in Scotland and the northwest of England, she added.

Many parts of Britain have enjoyed a long heatwave this summer, with temperatures upwards of 30C regularly recorded.

Some areas in the southeast did not see rainfall for more than a month, while in late July, the mercury crept close to the national record of 38.5C recorded in Faversham, Kent in 2003.