Brits sunseekers may finally be able to bask in some hotter weather on Sunday with much of the country seeing the mercury rise up to 24C and the heatwave could last until the end of the month.
Showers and floods have meant it has been a dismal summer so far but the Met Office is predicting warmer weather around the corner.
Holiday makers who have chosen a staycation this month should be able to enjoy temperatures reaching the mid 20s on Sunday.
But forecasters are not getting carried away and there will still be some clouds in the sky and occasional showers.
The UK will be some way off the searing temperatures that are hitting southern Europe at the moment.
A Met forecaster said: “The bigger picture shows this intense heatwave across southern parts of Europe.
"Record breaking temperatures are possible this weekend across Spain and Portugal. Meanwhile across the UK it is a lot more changeable and cooler.
"This run of north westerly winds continuing this week and some wet weather fronts bring showers or rain at times but settled conditions possible later in the week.”
The most sunshine is likely to be on the eastern side of the country on Sunday but while there is cloud about in other parts, it will still be warm.
“Quite a cloudy start to Sunday morning with some outbreaks of rain across northern England and parts of Northern Ireland,” said the Met Office forecaster.
“Skies brightening elsewhere with one or two showers particularly for Wales and the south west. Also some showers still across northern parts of Scotland but where we see the decent spells of sunshine once again it will be feeling quite warm.
“Highs of 23C, 24C, quite widely in eastern areas so feeling quite warm.
“Through Sunday evening still a few showers continuing across England and Wales .Also some showers across northern Scotland, one or two heavier ones here but there are a few sunny spells as we end the day on Sunday.”
Looking ahead it is likely to stay dry with warmer weather but nothing exceptional for the time of year.
"Next week mostly dry conditions with some sunshine around on Monday," the Met Office said.
"There will be some showers at times through Tuesday and Wednesday but overall quite a cool feel for August with that run of north westerly winds continuing."
The forecast added: "Through late August there is an increased chance of warmer than average conditions. This may bring the risk of thundery showers and longer spells of rain at times."
UK forecast for the next 5 days
Today:
Showers affecting northern Scotland, whilst some patchy rain is expected across Northern Ireland, Wales, northern and western England. Mostly dry elsewhere with broken cloud and sunny spells. Feeling warm across central and eastern England.
Tonight:
Rain and drizzle clearing from southern areas then most parts dry with broken cloud and clear spells. A few showers for parts of the north and northeast.
Monday:
A few showers in the east at first, then also across north Wales and northwest England. Mostly dry elsewhere with variable cloud and sunny spells. Rain affecting western Scotland later.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
Cloud and patchy rain sinks southeast across all areas; rain heaviest for hills in the northwest. Sheltered eastern areas seeing good spells of sunshine. Warm here, otherwise temperatures near normal.
