The Met Office forecasts temperatures of 27C to 28C in parts of south-east England on Friday, exceptionally warm for late September. Much of England and Wales should see temperatures in the low 20s on Thursday, before readings fall closer to average over the weekend.
Much of England remains in drought after a dry spring and summer with successive heatwaves. Saturday is expected to be mostly fine and dry, while rain or showers become more likely on Sunday, especially in western areas.
The Met Office said wet and windy conditions may develop on Tuesday or Wednesday. A particularly deep area of low pressure could pass close to the UK; combined with high spring tides, it may affect some western coastal areas. The service said details remain uncertain.
