Scotland is set to bake in roasting temperatures as forecasters expect the thermostat to peak in the mid to late 20s.
The weather in recent days has been nothing short of miserable, with wet and windy conditions dominating Scottish villages, towns and cities throughout the week.
Experts at the Met Office say the poor weather was caused by an unseasonably deep area of low pressure passing over Scotland.
But warm air drawn up from southern Europe is expected to bring more warm, bright and settled conditions across the country on Friday.
Forecasters say that temperatures could reach as high as 27C in some parts, with areas in and around the likes of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness getting the best of the conditions.
Perth will also see highs of 25C, while Scots in Dundee will be able to enjoy 19C heat on Friday.
But the Met Office says that the warmer climates will be short lived as a cold front moves eastwards across the country on Saturday.
Temperatures will start to lower into the mid-10s on Saturday and Sunday in large parts of the country.
The weather could revert to its old Scottish-self as showers are expected to move in from the west.
The brief nature of the warm weather means that it will stop short of being defined as a heatwave, as high temperatures need to be sustained for more than three days.
Parts of central, southern and eastern England could see highs of 34C or even 35C on Friday.
Chief meteorologist, Andy Page, said: “The bulk of England and Wales will have dry, very warm and sunny weather to end the week with Friday likely to be the hottest day of the year so far for the UK. A few thunderstorms are possible later on Friday and then a cold front moves eastwards by Saturday, bringing a downturn in temperatures once again.”
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