Summer weather could return with a bang this week but not before a deluge of rain hits the North East.
Monday morning started off with downpours which are set to last most of the day as rain clouds cover the UK.
This July has brought plenty of unseasonal weather, with bouts of rain and cooler temperatures.
But the month is forecast to come to a sizzling end as the summer heat is expected to return on Friday.
Heavy rain is forecast throughout Monday morning and lasting until around 5pm.
Then there will be some sunny spells and temperatures will feel mild at around 18C.
The weather is expected to stay calm on Tuesday but temperatures will be slightly down on where they should be with a maximum of 17C.
From Wednesday, high pressure will start to settle in and by Thursday there will be warm spells and highs up to 19C.
The damp weather will be a distant memory by Friday as the North East is set for a blast of summer heat.
Hot sunshine is predicted throughout the day with temperatures soaring to 24C in our region and up to 30C elsewhere.
Looking ahead into August however, there could again be a return to the wet weather.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to introduce cooler, more changeable conditions at the weekend.
Through early August bands of rain, perhaps accompanied by strong winds, will be mixed with brighter conditions.
