UK weather: Brits to be lashed by heavy rain deluge ahead of scorching 40C 'heat dome'

There is set for a huge divide between the north and south as Scotland will endure heavy rain for most of the day while the south of England enjoys warm and dry conditions on Tuesday.

An area of low pressure will work its way eastwards with much of the north of the country set for rain, while the south tries to cling on to dry conditions.

For most, it will be a dry start due to the high pressure which is already in place before the low pressure squeezes itself over the UK on Tuesday morning.

Northern Ireland and western Scotland will face the full brunt of the heavy showers, which will spread across nearly all of Scotland as the day progresses.

Much of Scotland and Northern Ireland and northern England will be hit by rain (PA)

Temperatures will be similar to Monday with Scotland and northern England hitting the high teens, while Northern Ireland, Wales and the south will creep into the 20s. Highs are expected to be 22C.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: "The rain will spread across Scotland through the day. We will see some of it trickling into northern England and parts of north and west Wales.

"Eventually we may see a little bit getting into the east of the Pennines and finally into parts of north east Scotland.

The south of England could reach highs of 22C (PA)

"All the while western Scotland staying pretty soggy, while east of Northern Ireland may dry up. Much of the southern half of the UK will be dry and it looks fairly cloudy though compared to Monday."

He added: "The breeze will be picking up, turning things quite misty and murky in the west as well, around coasts and hills."

UK 5 day weather forecast

Today:

A rather cloudy day, with outbreaks of rain pushing eastwards across the country. Though mostly dry for southern parts of England and Wales, with a few bright or sunny spells breaking through at times. Feeling rather muggy for all.

Tonight:

Staying mostly cloudy, with outbreaks of light rain and drizzle in places. Some heavier rain arriving across Northern Ireland as we head towards dawn. Temperatures largely in double figures.

Wednesday:

A band of rain will slowly move southeastwards across the country, though the far southeast of England remaining dry until late in the day. Sunshine and showers following.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Rain clearing southeast on Thursday, then largely dry but feeling fresher. More unsettled for Friday and Saturday, with outbreaks of rain and brisk winds across much of the country.