UK weather forecast: Brits to bask in highs of 26C - but Indian summer not set to last

It could be your last chance to bask in glorious blazing sun today as the temperatures set for a high 20s on the final day of summer.

Most of England, in particular the South, will get to enjoy nine hours of sunshine whereas Scotland and northern England will see showers and easing winds.

Londoners are in for a treat as the mercury is set to peak at 26C today.

But the unexpected heatwave does not last long before plumes of cloud settle in and bring clear spells across Britain.

Chilly weather and blustery shower are expected to hit northern Scotland later tonight.

Southern and central England will see hot, dry weather before clear spells sweep in later at night (PA)

Moving onto the start of next week, the weather condition will be settled into low 20s with dry conditions as end of summer approaches.

Met Officer meteorologist Helen Roberts said: "Some clear skies to the south and where we have the clearer skies for longest will turn a little bit chilly, especially in the countryside although temperatures holding up fairly well in the towns and cities.

"Now that weather front comes to a bit of a standstill on Sunday.

"Becoming stalled across northern England, back into parts of southern Scotland as well.

Next week will remain at low 20s as the end of summer approaches (PA)

"A lot of cloud in association with this front so rather grey and murky day and temperatures fairly suppressed under all that cloud.

"It will eventually brighten up for northern Scotland with some showers following in behind that band of rain.

"But the best of the sunshine and that warmth will be for the southeast corner where 26C or even 27C is possible."

Today:

Rain across central UK will slowly edge southwards with some heavier bursts. Brighter to the north with a few showers and easing winds. Warm, sunny periods in the south, though some parts turning cloudier later.

Tonight:

Mild with light rain edging southwards across England and Wales, though some parts of the south remaining dry with clear spells. Chilly further north and blustery showers for northern Scotland.

Monday:

Perhaps a bright start in the far south and southeast, otherwise cloudy with light rain for most southern parts. Windy further north with scattered showers, heavy in the far north.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Chilly start on Tuesday, mostly fine although some rain in the far north. Cloudy with some patchy rain in the north on Wednesday and Thursday, drier and brighter further south.