Brits are set for a sunny and hot day before temperatures rise to 24C on Sunday for the south but there is plenty of rain elsewhere in the country.
People will be able head outdoors and make the most of the glorious sunshine today where temperatures are expected to hit the low-20Cs.
There are some showers in the north and west of the UK and they will then become stronger on Sunday, keeping temperatures in those areas in the mid to high teens.
At the same time a high pressure which is causing extreme temperatures on the Continent is likely to influence southern England more on Sunday and could see the mercury rise to 24C.
The north-south divide is then expected to continue on into next week where there is more unsettled weather.
BBC weather forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker said: “The weekend for much of us isn’t actually looking too bad at all, some sunshine around and feeling pleasantly warm but we have some scattered showers in the forecast too, in fact it will end up fairly cloudy in Northern Ireland and western Scotland, eventually, later on Saturday.”
He continued: "Largely bright and sunny across England and Wales but quickly in Northern Ireland and western Scotland … it will cloud over with some rain.
"Let’s have a closer look then, this is 4pm in the afternoon so the best of the weather across England and Wales with temperatures of around 21C, just the chance of a shower but just really an outside chance."
Then looking at Sunday he said: "We will see a weather front brushing parts of the UK. The south and the south east is just under the influence of a high pressure sitting around Holland and Germany and actually some warmth being spread in our direction so the temperatures will rise a bit across the south and south east.
"While across the north western and western areas it will remain on the cool side with that Atlantic breeze and weather fronts coming in, showers, 15C or 16C at best here."
Then the Met Office says a strengthening jet stream will bring more unsettled weather for next week.
It stated: "Next week, a strengthening of the jet stream – which plays a crucial role in driving weather systems towards the UK – looks set to bring spells of unsettled weather through next week for much of the country, although there will still be some periods of drier weather, most likely in southern and central areas."
UK forecast for the next 5 days
Showery in the northwest, fine further south and east.
Today:
Scattered showers affecting northwestern parts, some heavy over Scotland, before thickening cloud brings more persistent rain later in the day. Dry with broken cloud and sunny spells in the south and east.
Tonight:
Cloudy and breezy with some rain and drizzle in the north and northwest. Clear spells in the south and east where a few fog patches may form.
Sunday:
Cloudy with rain or showers in the north and west, some heavy showers possible later. Dry with some sunny spells in the south and east where it will feel warm.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Rain or showers for all, with a risk of hail and thunder in the west Monday, and elsewhere Tuesday. Risk of gales Weds as further rain clears east. Rather cool.
