After a barrage of heavy rain and gusty weather Brits can look forward to a simmering hot spell with temperatures set to hit 30C in some regions.
A yellow weather warning had been in force for wind and rain on Wednesday that saw a stormy deluge lash parts of the nation.
But on Thursday forecasters expect a sunnier day with some showers expected but with generally mild conditions.
And then by the weekend the mercury could peak at 30C with a return to hot summer weather.
Those living in London can expect temperatures up to 27C, with it rising to around 23C in Cardiff and 21C in Glasgow. Elsewhere the mercury could climb to 30C this weekend.
But with the warmer weather there is the threat that western regions could face thunderstorms.
A spokesman for the Met Office said: "As we move towards the weekend we are expecting a brief hotter and more humid spell of weather to develop across parts of the UK.
"The main heat and humidity will be across England and Wales with temperatures peaking around 30C during Friday and Saturday. Scotland and Northern Ireland however will see some wet and occasionally windy weather move in though during Thursday and Friday.
"This weather system will then gradually work eastwards across the UK during the weekend introducing some cooler air by Sunday but ahead of this we are likely to see some heavy showers and thunderstorms break out."
A longer range forecast for the weekend reads: “Showers may be heavy and thundery at times. Often breezy, especially towards the west. Temperatures are expected to be generally near average, perhaps a little above average in any sunny spells.
“Further into this period, the generally unsettled theme is likely to continue, with rain or showers at times, along with some short lived drier and brighter interludes. Often breezy, with daytime temperatures generally around average, locally a little below.
“Towards the end of the period, there are signs that conditions may start to become slightly less unsettled.”
Last month Brits basked as the mercury exploded to 32.2C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on June 25. And the Met Office went on to confirm that it had been the hottest June on record.
UK weather forecast
Today:
Sunny spells for most, with just a few showers. Some wet and windy weather moving into Northern Ireland and western Scotland through the afternoon and evening. Temperatures around average.
Tonight:
Dry with clear spells for many. Rain continuing to spread northeast across Scotland, turning heavy at times. Becoming windy for most. Temperatures around average.
Friday:
A warm and sunny day for many on Friday, but remaining wet and windy in the northwest. Winds easing a little through the day.
