Experts at the Met Office are predicting nine hours of sunshine today (Thursday) as temperatures are set to peak at 18C.
The latest forecast shows sunny spells from 7am until 3pm. Clouds will move in between 4pm to 5pm, before more sunshine at the end of the day.
But the best of the weather is yet to come, as sweltering highs of 25C are expected on Monday (September 14).
A 600-mile "subtropical swell" sweeping in across the Atlantic is behind next week's mini-heatwave.
Nick Finnis at Netweather said: "Much of England and Wales will have a dry weekend and becoming increasingly warm.
"Temperatures could reach the mid-20s Celsius across eastern England.
"Always cloudier across northern England and north Wales, perhaps with some patchy drizzle or light rain possible later on Saturday."
South West forecast
Thursday:
After a chilly start on Thursday it will be dry with light winds. Lots of sunshine in the morning but clouding over towards the afternoon to give sunny spells. Maximum temperature 20 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Dry with sunny spells for much of Friday, Saturday and Sunday but with some cloud and patchy rain Friday night. Warm by Sunday
