A final blast of thundery downpours will hit parts of the country today before a soaring spell of sunny weather ushers in the Easter weekend.
Forecasters are predicting balmy highs up to 22C this weekend with many set to enjoy the long break under warm and bright skies.
But on Wednesday forecasters expect some heavy rain and thunder to sweep over parts of the country.
According to weather maps from forecaster WXCharts a band of miserable weather will move across the north of Scotland in the early hours today with precipitation levels up to 6mm per hour in some damper regions.
Scattered showers are then expected to move through Wales as well as the south of England during the rest of the day.
And the Met Office has forecast a damp and chilly day for many along with scattered showers and some foggy patches by the evening.
But then the mercury is set to leap with some forecasters claiming it could be as high as 21C between Thursday and Saturday, according to Netweather predictions.
As it gets closer to the bank holiday weekend temperatures are predicted to rise and Brits could see highs in the low 20s as a blast of 'Saharan' hot air descends on the nation.
The scorching heat, after last month saw a sub-zero chilly weather leave much of the UK shivering, would make it hotter than Malta.
A "Saharan" blast of hot air is expected to send the mercury rising in the coming days, just in time for the Bank Holiday - though there is still plenty of chance of more rain.
In comparison, the likes of Malta, in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, is only forecast to reach 18C.
Holiday favourite Greece and party capital Ibiza in the Balearics are due to enjoy 17 and 16C, respectively.
BBC meteorologist Louise Lear said the Saharan air will be "pushing its way steadily north with the exception perhaps of the Northern Isles".
UK Weather forecast
Today:
Rain gradually clearing Scotland but the far northeast staying dull, damp and chilly. More sunshine further south but areas of cloud too, along with scattered showers, these focused across Wales, southwest and central England. Feeling warm, with only light winds.
Tonight:
Any showers fading, then many areas becoming dry with clear spells for a time. Some southern, western and central areas eventually seeing misty low cloud and a few fog patches.
Thursday:
A dry day nearly everywhere. Some places will start rather grey and perhaps misty, but cloud mostly burning back to some western coasts, allowing spells of warm sunshine for many.
