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In a huge win for Brits this Spring Bank Holiday weekend, the cool and unsettled weather the UK has been facing in recent days is set to make way for increasingly warm conditions on Friday (May 22), according to the Met Office. Forecasters have said a change in weather patterns will bring a marked improvement in temperatures after a depressing spell of rain and blustery showers, with some areas expected to feel more like early summer by the end of the week.

However, it will not be entirely dry, with meteorologists warning that rain and thunderstorms are still likely at times, particularly as low-pressure systems remain close to the UK. Wednesday is set to see variable cloud and outbreaks of rain, particularly across northern areas. The Met Office said the country's recent unsettled conditions will gradually give way to warmer air moving in from the south on Wednesday (May 20) and into Thursday, leading to brighter, more settled spells for many areas. Temperatures are expected to rise through Friday, with the South and East of England likely to see the most noticeable improvement.

However, forecasters have cautioned that the change will also bring instability, meaning showers could turn heavy and thundery in places, especially later in the week and into the Bank Holiday weekend itself.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tony Wisson said on Monday (May 18): "The weather later this week will feel like a marked contrast from recent days, with warm, fine and settled weather for many. While the warmth will persist through the Bank Holiday weekend, conditions will turn more unsettled later Friday and into Saturday, with a mix of cloud, showers and longer spells of rain.

"There is also the chance of thundery rain in places. Nonetheless, temperatures should remain warm or very warm through Saturday and into Sunday, with highs around 26°C in the south across the weekend and into next week."

Sunday (May 24) will see high pressure becoming the dominant influence, reducing rainfall chances and allowing temperatures to remain above average. This continues into next week, with warm and fine weather likely for many.

In its outlook for Friday to Sunday, the Met Office said: "Very warm over the Bank Holiday weekend with plenty of sunshine and light winds. However, some heavy, thundery showers are possible on Saturday and some rain in the northwest."

Then, in its forecast for May 25 to June 3, it said: "Warm and dry for most on Bank Holiday Monday. Through the week, high pressure is expected to remain in place for much of the UK, meaning fine weather likely to continue for most places. Some patchy rain may affect the far north at times and perhaps a few showers in the far south. Temperatures are expected to be above normal, feeling very warm at times with light winds."