UK set for a warmer weekend as highs of 21C forecast in the south of England

The UK is set for warmer temperatures this weekend with highs of 21C in some areas of the south of England , the Met Office has said.

The start of autumn has brought chillier conditions and widespread frost overnight with a low of minus 2.7C recorded in North Yorkshire on Thursday evening.

But moving into the weekend, temperatures are set to rise again.

Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna told the PA news agency: “There will still be mixed conditions with some wet and windier weather coming in across Scotland and Northern Ireland through Saturday afternoon.

“But for England and Wales, and for much of the day in eastern Scotland as well, there will be a lot of fine weather around, with sunny spells and lighter wind in the south.

“We’re looking at temperatures up to 19, possibly 20 towards the South East.

“That band of rain will make its way south into northern England and North Wales overnight. But it will start to weaken and some lighter rain will move in across central parts of the UK.”

Overnight, conditions will still turn chilly but not as cold as recent nights, according to the forecaster.

Saturday night will get down into low single figures, around three or four degrees in some areas of the south.

Mr Petagna said Sunday will then see some light rain but also “plenty of sunny weather” in the north.

“What’s left of that band of rain continues gradually southwards, slipping across northern England later in the day, reaching much of Wales, the Midlands and parts of East Anglia.

“The far south of England and South Wales will hold on to some dry, bright weather. Scotland, Northern Ireland, and eventually, northern England will also see some sunshine.

“Similar to today, it could get to 21 in the South East. Elsewhere, sort of mid, mid to upper teens.”

Heading into next week, Monday is expected to see a grey start with bits of patchy rain and drizzle in the morning.

But a lot of the country will see sunshine, light winds and temperatures up into the upper teens and 20/21C in the South East.

Mr Petagna said: “Thereafter it’s really just a high pressure dominating Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, meaning there’s a lot of dry, settled weather around.

“The far north/northwest of Scotland might just see a bit of cloud and the odd spot of rain at times. But apart from that, it will be dry and settled.

“By midweek we’re looking at 23 in the South East.”