UK weather forecast: Britain to scorch in 26C highs for days before 'dramatic dip'

Britain is set to enjoy highs of 26C this Bank Holiday Monday - making it hotter than Bermuda which will be three degrees cooler.

The warm temperatures are forecast to last several days before taking a sudden dip.

An up and down weekend saw gale force winds of up to 50mph for some across the UK, with well over a month's worth of rain in parts of the north.

Achnagart in the Highlands of Scotland saw 145mm of rain - compared to the average 90mm per month - thanks to relentless downpours beginning on Thursday, according to BBC forecaster Louise Lear.

But it's better news from today with Monday seeing"lots of sunshine from the word go" with highs consistently in the mid-20s in the south for much of the week - though Wednesday could see rain.

Ms Lear said that despite the high pressure, weather fronts "will try to push in from time to time" and on Wednesday there's a "level of uncertainty" as to whether downpours could strike.

Met Office forecaster Alex Deakin agreed: "All the computer models are in strong agreement that high pressure will sit around for most of next week, certainly bringing most of the south and central Britain fine and sunny weather."

However, Ms Lear said despite the persistent rain for many over the last couple of days, the southeast could finish up May having seen very little rain at all for weeks.

While Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst has warned of a murky start to Monday in some parts before the fine weather breaks through.

"There will be some mist and fog which will quickly clear away and then we are looking at a fine, bright, sunny day for many," he said.

Mr Dewhurst added there would be some light winds coming from the south, but temperatures could reach "25 to 26C towards London".

Some weather charts are suggesting June could get off to a cooler start with temperatures as low as 12C.

UK 5 day weather forecast

Today:

Early mist and low cloud in the west soon clearing, then most parts fine and dry with long sunny periods. Becoming warm inland. Turning cloudier and windier in the far northwest with some rain later.

Tonight:

Band of cloud and patchy rain sinking south across northern and some central areas, although mostly dry in east. Else, clear spells with a few fog patches in the south.

Tuesday:

Rather cloudy across central areas with some drizzle and fog near western coasts. Mostly dry with sunny spells elsewhere and warm again in the south.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Sunny and very warm in the south on Wednesday whilst some rain could occur in the northwest. Most places sunny and very warm Thursday and Friday; cooler near east coasts.