UK weather forecast: Met Office predicts rising temperatures but with North-South divide

Mixed weather is expected across the UK as the week draws to a close - with rising temperatures and an increased risk of showers. The Met Office said conditions would be a stark contrast between "fresher, more unsettled conditions in the north and west, and warmer, at times hot, weather developing further south and east".

While "much warmer air" is set to spread into the UK through the week, particularly in the south of the country, it is likely to edge into south-eastern areas later in the week, bringing a gradual increase in temperatures.

In contrast, forecasters said the north west will remain closer to average or slightly fresher, due to more persistent cloud and rain. In northern and western areas, however, things would be more "unsettled", according to the experts.

"Low pressure lingering to the northwest of the UK will continue to drive more unsettled conditions across northern and western areas," they said. "This will bring frequent cloud, outbreaks of rain and at times blustery winds, particularly across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of northwest England.

"Rainfall will vary day by day, with heavier and more persistent spells moving through at times. For example, midweek rain is expected to push eastwards across southern and central parts, bringing locally heavy bursts before clearing."

More rain is expected towards the end of the week, they added, "particularly to northern and western regions", though rainfall totals overall are not especially high. In southern and south-eastern areas, temperatures could reach the high 20s, even approaching 30C, the Met Office added.

"Friday could be the peak of the heat for parts of the south east, with temperatures possibly reaching the low 30s Celsius," the forecaster added. "This would place temperatures well above average for the time of year in these areas, while the northwest remains noticeably cooler by comparison.

"Sunshine will be most prolonged across south-eastern areas, although even here, some cloud and occasional rain may spread through at times, particularly midweek."

With the higher temperatures and humid air comes the increased risk of "more intense showers or thunderstorms" towards the end of the week, they added. "These heavier bursts of rain could bring short periods of disruption, especially if they coincide with the warmest part of the day," the experts went on.

They added "while some areas experience hot sunshine, others will remain under cloud with outbreaks of rain and fresher conditions". "Such contrasts are typical during periods where different air masses meet across the UK," they said.

The mixed conditions would continue into the weekend, and could continue into next week.