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Temperatures will reach highs of 24C in parts of the country this week before Britons are hit with rain over the weekend.

The Met Office has forecast dry and sunny spells for the southern parts of England and Wales on Monday, while Scotland and northern England are set to experience heavy showers and possible thunder.

Wintry conditions are due to ease by Tuesday in most areas, with sunny spells forecast for much of the country on Wednesday through to Friday, before rain and cooler weather return for the weekend.

open image in gallery The warmest weather will be felt on Thursday and Friday ( Met Office )

Londoners could see a high of 22C later on Monday and temperatures are expected to reach the high teens and low twenties in Wales and the south of England in the afternoon.

Rain in the north of the UK will push southwards on Monday evening, bringing showers to the bottom parts of the country overnight.

On Tuesday, conditions will be cloudy, with possible outbreaks of rain pushing south and westwards, the Met Office said. Sunnier spells will develop in southeast England later in the day.

open image in gallery Temperatures will climb above 20C for much of England on Thursday and Friday ( Met Office )

Wales and the southern and central parts of England are forecast to see highs of 22C on Thursday and Friday. The northern parts of England and Scotland will see temperatures in the high teens.

The warmest weather is forecast in the south of England on Friday, where the Met Office is expecting possible highs of 24C.

Patches of rain will arrive on Saturday, bringing cooler weather for most of the country. In its long-term forecast from Friday to 10 May, the Met Office said: “Conditions will probably be more changeable than they have been recently, with low-pressure systems becoming more likely.

“This means an increasing chance of showers or longer spells of rain, with a risk of strong winds at times. Some dry spells with some warm sunshine are still likely at times too, with a risk of a few short-lived early morning fog patches. Temperatures are likely to be close to or slightly above normal.”

open image in gallery Showers will move in from the west later on Friday ( PA )

Met Office weather forecast

Today

A largely dry start for many, but cloudy with rain in northern Scotland. Warm and bright in the south at first, but clouding over in the afternoon as heavy showers move into the east, with a risk of thunder.

Tonight

Showers are gradually clearing this evening, leaving cloudy skies for many. Cloud will be low and thick in the east, bringing drizzle, mist and fog in places.

Tuesday

A grey start for many with drizzly outbreaks at first. Cloud will slowly lift and break through the day to bring some brighter spells. Cooler than of late and breezy.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday

Largely dry on Wednesday and Thursday with warm sunny spells, but breezy in the south. An increasing chance of showers moving in from the west on Friday.