Hottest October day forecast in seven years - before rain returns
Bright and breezy weather is set to warm the Midlands this week as rays of sunshine are expected to beam down on the Midlands.
Sunny spells are set to make a welcome appearance as highs of 18C (64.4F) are anticipated across the area on Saturday.
The unseasonal temperatures for October will mean a few dry days are on the cards for the West Midlands this week.
But residents will need to keep their umbrellas nearby as a spell of rain is expected on Friday.
Meteorologists are predicting the mercury will rise up to 25C (77F) by Thursday in southern parts of England - potentially making it the hottest October day in seven years.
The Met Office said: "It will be dry, sunny and warm on Wednesday. Turning windier again through Thursday, with a spell of rain arriving later. It will become very windy by Friday with further rain at times."
It was a dry start to the week with scattered bright spells, feeling fairly warm despite the additional breezy weather on Monday.
The Met Office said sunny spells will shine down today, especially during the late afternoon, with highs of 15C (59F) expected.
Residents can also ditch the woolly winter wear as they should feel warmer, with light winds expected to blow across the region.
The mercury will continue to rise on Wednesday, with highs of 16C (60.8F), and again on Thursday, with highs of 18C (64.4F), before dipping slightly on Friday.
But families can ditch the brollies on Saturday and enjoy the 18C (64.4F) weather, with lows of 11C (51.8F) as it becomes cooler during the evening.
Dry, clear spells, turning sunny and warm, will start off next week, but meteorologists are expecting rainy downpours to hit the region as the week progresses.
The Met Office said: "Many areas dry and warm on Wednesday with sunny spells after early fog clears. Windier on Thursday with rain moving eastwards. Potentially stormy by Friday with further spells of rain."
WATCH the forecast for the week ahead
The unexpected warmer weather for October might not last though, with chilly nights filled with frost and fog on the horizon, the Met Office said.
It added: "There is an increasing chance that the weather towards the end of October may well turn more settled as high pressure re-establishes.
"This would bring lighter winds and some sunshine by day but cold nights with frost and fog.
"As we head towards the start of November, confidence is very low but there are signs it may turn more changeable again.
"Temperatures will probably be close to normal overall, but in more settled weather it is likely to be colder than average, especially overnight.
