Hot weather forecast as 21C Iberian heat bomb to roast UK in hours - new maps

Brits may want to keep their summer clothes out a little longer as a 21C is to roast the UK in a matter of hours.

may be starting to bite but Brits will enjoy a period of warm weather today, October 16.

have turned red and orange indicating that heat is on the way in a much welcome reprieve from the

At 3pm today London, Essex and Kent will bask in the warmest of the weather with highs of 21C with the South east not far behind with mercury soaring to a balmy 20C.

The Midlands and South West will not be far behind with temperatures forecast to be between 17C and 18C.

According to the , the warmer conditions will arrive thanks to toasty air being swept up from the southern Mediterranean and north-west Africa.

Although the forecaster admits that temperatures will be above average, the Met Office is warning that the north will see outbreaks of heavy rain whilst the east and southeast will "feel warm in the sunshine".

Meanwhile Wales, Yorkshire and the north will see cooler temperatures ranging from 13C to 15C.

Scotland, however, is not expected to enjoy such pleasant conditions. Instead, the Scottish Borders will see temperatures around 11C or 12C.

The Highlands will see the mercury hovering around 10C or 11C by mid-afternoon today.

Outline:

Heavy rain will persist, moving northeastwards throughout the night. However, southern and western regions are expected to dry up by dawn.

It's set to be another mild night for many.

Thursday:

The early morning rain is predicted to clear from the northeast of the UK, paving the way for a brighter day with a mix of sunshine and scattered showers.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Friday will see outbreaks of rain and brisk winds across northwestern areas, while it will be drier and brighter further southeast. The rain will shift eastwards on Saturday, with brighter skies following.

Sunday is forecasted to be widely wet and windy.