Sunshine returns to parts of UK with warmer and drier weather on way

Don't pack away your summer clothes just yet as warmer and drier weather could be set to return to the UK next week.

Temperatures could reach as high as 25C in parts of England and Wales - several degrees above the average for the time of year.

Forecasts for early next week show an area of high pressure building near the UK. This will largely block Atlantic weather systems, which often bring wind and rain, from reaching the country.

North-west Scotland will see some rain but these systems are not expected to push across the rest of the UK, so this would mean drier weather with lighter winds and higher daytime temperatures for most.

The last few weeks have been very changeable with rain and strong winds in most parts of the UK.

Despite this, the whole of Wales and most of England are still in drought.

After stronger south-westerly winds are due to blow cloud and outbreaks of rain across from the west on Friday, the weather will start to settle down over the weekend.

The northern half of the UK will see a return to sunshine and blustery showers on Saturday, with most of the showers being in Scotland.

The southern half of the UK is likely to be more cloudy and have a muggy feel with the chance of light rain and drizzle.

At least seven months of relentless rain needed to end drought, research shows

This rain will clear to the south on Sunday and most places will then be dry with sunny spells. West to north-west winds will still be strong in Scotland.

Temperatures will peak around 22C in southern England on Sunday - nothing out of the ordinary for the time of year.

But as we go into the working week, an area of high pressure will arrive, bringing drier weather, lighter winds, and some sunshine, which for much of the country could last throughout the week.

While there will still be the chance of catching the odd shower, most places will be dry. Rain-bearing bands of cloud coming in from the Atlantic will be restricted to north-west Scotland.