Sunshine returns as warmer and drier weather arrives next week

Don't pack away your summer clothes just yet as warmer and drier weather could be set to return to the UK next week.

Forecasts for early next week show an area of high pressure building near the UK. This will largely block Atlantic weather systems, which often bring wind and rain, from reaching the country.

The last few weeks have been very changeable with rain and strong winds in most parts of the UK.

After stronger south-westerly winds are due to blow cloud and outbreaks of rain across from the west on Friday, the weather will start to settle down over the weekend.

The southern half of the UK is likely to be more cloudy and have a muggy feel with the chance of light rain and drizzle.

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This rain will clear to the south on Sunday and most places will then be dry with sunny spells. West to north-west winds will still be strong in Scotland.

But as we go into the working week, an area of high pressure will arrive, bringing drier weather, lighter winds, and some sunshine, which for much of the country could last throughout the week.

The past week has felt quite chilly but temperatures next week are forecast to reach 20C in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and as high as 25C in England and Wales.

An area of high pressure will block Atlantic weather fronts from reaching most of the UK

The Met Office long range forecast shows a higher degree of confidence that deeper areas of low pressure will affect the UK in November, potentially bringing stormy weather. This is consistent with weather patterns during El Niño events at this time of year.

Keep up to date with the forecast where you are on the BBC Weather website and app.