London is set to bid farewell to July with a glorious burst of warm sunshine, as forecasters predict temperatures will soar to a balmy 27C in the coming days.
The Met Office forecasts a steady improvement in weather conditions over the coming days, with Friday expected to usher in clearer skies and welcome sunny spells.
Saturday will offer a mixed bag of bright intervals and scattered showers, but the real weather treat is anticipated for Sunday.
As high pressure sweeps in, Sunday is predicted to bathe the capital in uninterrupted sunshine, with temperatures set to climb to a sizzling 26C.
This warming trend is set to continue into early next week, with Monday maintaining sunny spells and warm temperatures - BBC Weather is forecasting a high of 27C for London on Tuesday.
It comes after a week of unsettled weather, offering Londoners and visitors a chance to enjoy summer conditions as the school holidays continue.
This return to summery weather follows a period of mixed conditions across the UK, including last Friday's peak of 31.9C in London's St James' Park - the hottest day of the year so far.
Across the UK, most areas will experience a mix of sunshine and showers over the next few days before temperatures begin to rise from Sunday.
The Met Office predicts that early next week could see temperatures reaching 26-27C across central and southern England.
Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: "There are signs that as we get to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday temperatures will start coming up a bit again.
“Early next week maybe around 26, 27C across central and southern England. High pressure moves in on Sunday, then pushing eastwards and drawing in warmer air."
He added: "At this time of year people head to the beach when the weather's warm or off to local lakes and rivers. Be mindful that at this time of year the water's still pretty cold, around 16, 17, 18C, it's not like in the Mediterranean where it's much warmer."
