UK weather forecast: Summer comes to an end with 26C blast before temperatures cool

Britain will enjoy a final summer blast of 26C before temperatures cool and some face rain.

Sun worshippers will be able to bask in the warm temperatures on Sunday before conditions settle next week.

The south-east is likely to see the best of the weather , while the north-west part of Scotland could see the first sign of autumn severe gales of up to 60mph hitting the region.

Forecasters predict this weekend will kick off with highs of 23C in the south on Saturday.

The temperature will remain at high teens and low 20s on Saturday and Sunday (PA)

The best weather will be in the southern region (Getty Images)

But the wind in Scotland could cause localised disruption to transport, particularly for ferries.

Sunday will see the mercury rise to highs of 26C in London before the blasting heat gives way to drizzly spells on Monday.

Met Office meteorologist Helen Roberts said: "It’s more of the same for the rest of the day, lots of warm sunshine and a largely dry and bright picture for most of the UK.

"Overnight it will go quite chilly owing to clear skies but that should warm up quickly tomorrow with for many lots of nice warm sunshine around, with a band of rain in northwest Scotland.

Autumn weather could arrive as early as Monday with showers and strong winds (PA)

"That narrow band of rain will work its way down, gradually weakening and leaving sunshine on either side.

"Sunday will remain fine and dry in the South, with temperatures of up to 25C expected in the South East.

"Much of next week is looking generally fairly quiet and settled."

Autumn weather is set to come early into the working week (PA)

Today:

Outbreaks of locally heavy rain will affect central and northern Scotland with gales, possibly severe gales around northwest coasts. Dry elsewhere with plenty of sunshine and warm in the south. Windy across northern England and Northern Ireland and becoming cloudy.

Tonight:

Rain will edge southwards into some central areas, easing as it does so. Clear spells and showers will follow across Scotland, whilst in the south remaining dry with clear spells.

Sunday:

Rain continuing slowly southwards, becoming more active over North Wales and northwest England. Turning brighter in the north, with isolated showers and winds easing. Warm, sunny periods in the south.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Occasional light rain over Wales and central areas Monday, with showers across Scotland. Showers or rain in northern Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday, dry and settled with sunny spells elsewhere.