The UK has had mild and settled conditions to the start of the shortened working week but Thursday will see wind and rain start to make its way across the country.
Thursday morning will start in similar vein to earlier in the week before a weather front from the southwest will work its way northwards throughout the day, with Northern Ireland, Wales and western Scotland worst affected.
Gusts will increase with the North Sea coast once again feeling the brunt of the westerly winds, but central and southern England will continue to feel the warmer temperatures like the start of the week.
The Midlands could reach peaks of up to 19C on Thursday afternoon while the capital could hit the 20C barrier at around 4pm due to the sunny outbreaks.
It will contrast to the north of England and Scotland, with Aberdeen struggling to reach double figures and north east hitting highs of 13C.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGovern said: "Signs of some rain approaching the far southwest, especially the Scilly Isles by the end of the night.
"But for the most part it's dry, clear spells but some areas of medium and high level cloud around and increasingly breezy as we begin Thursday. Wind gusting over western hills in particular and that's going to affect the feel of the day, making it feel cool.
"In the southwest, though, well that showery rain does move though. So for Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and then into Wales by the afternoon, outbreaks of rain on and off, some heavy bursts at times as well."
The rain will continue to the travel north and showers will spread as far as central England and East Anglia, including a chance of thunder.
Heading into Friday morning, much of the UK is set for a cloudy start with spells of rain. Northern England and southern Scotland will endure persistent rain while further south, showery spells could turn to spots of hail and thunder.
Temperatures on Friday remain consistent across the country, with Northern Ireland, Wales, central Scotland and England ranging with highs of between 15C and 17C despite the spots of rain.
UK five-day Met Office forecast
This Evening and Tonight:
Rain across northern Scotland becoming confined to the Northern Isles later. Otherwise a dry picture with variable amounts of cloud. Windy in the south, and increasingly so in the west, with some gusty conditions to the west of high ground.
Thursday:
Rain across the Northern Isles clearing later. Outbreaks of rain moving northeast across southwestern parts of the UK. Elsewhere, mostly fine, but on the windy side for many.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Generally unsettled, with showers or longer spells of rain. Heavy, thundery showers likely in places on Friday and Sunday. Warm in any sunshine, but cool on cloudier, windward coasts.
