Brits are facing a wet weekend for much of the country but there is good news ahead for sun lovers with hot weather for the second half of July.
After weeks of rain, summer will return in two weeks with "hot spells", according to the Met Office's long range forecast.
From mid-July, though the risk of thunder and rain remains, Brits should get ready for the heat with higher than normal temperatures expected.
While temperatures start to creep up this week, hay fever sufferers will need to be on alert as pollen levels are expected to be high.
The mercury is forecast to climb to 21C on Thursday, when there will be a 20% chance of showers.
The Met Office states in its forecast for July 15-29: "Fine and dry weather for much of the UK is most likely for the rest of July.
"There is however the possibility that occasional spells of rain may impact north-western areas, with a very low risk of thundery conditions developing at times across the south.
"Temperatures are likely to be above average for much of this period, with an increased risk of some very warm or hot spells occurring."
It comes as the UK has seen an east-west divide for much of the week with the west enjoying the best temperatures.
Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: “Thursday should be a fine day and warm for many with the sun coming through.
"Temperatures should rise very nicely through the afternoon away from the east coast where again we will see the cloud keeping temperatures a lot lower but in the sunshine coming in at around 22C to 24C.”
There is a warning from the Met Office for people to be careful in the sun.
Clare continued: “It is worth noting though that UV levels will be high, so if you are spending any time outside remember to cover up because the sun is very strong at this time of the year.”
The weather starts to get worse for many on Friday and this continues into the weekend.
The Met Office stated: "Showers will affect many places, some heavy with hail and thunder.
"Best of the dry weather in the North West.
"Feeling humid with light or moderate winds.”
Met Office UK five-day forecast
Today:
Rather cloudy in east England with some rain and drizzle, mainly Lincolnshire and East Anglia. Some heavy showers developing for south Wales and southern England, particularly around Dorset and Hampshire. Cool in cloudier east otherwise feeling warm in sunshine.
Tonight:
Some clear spells but tending to cloud over with some rain developing later in the night for east England, perhaps heavy in places. Milder than Wednesday night for many.
Friday:
A more widely showery day, particularly for central and east England and south Scotland. Southwest parts and far north mostly dry. Warmer than recent days in east England.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Showers will affect many places, some heavy with hail and thunder. Best of the dry weather in the northwest. Feeling humid with light or moderate winds.
