UK weather maps turn red as temperatures to hit 24C in late September 'mini heatwave'

Weather maps have turned a bright shade of red as a "mini-heatwave" is forecast for the coming days, boosting temperatures up to around 24C in some places.

Balmy weather conditions will be felt in and around London on Wednesday and Thursday this week. People in the South West will enjoy highs of 23C, people in the central area of Scotland can also look forward to a pleasant 20C come midweek.

The warmer spell is being driven by high pressure sitting over much of Europe, which is locking in the heat and creating stable weather conditions. According to charts, warm air masses originating from southern Europe are expected to flow over the UK, raising temperatures above the seasonal average, says the Express.

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The Met Office forecast for Wednesday to Friday reads: “Largely fine through much of the week, though an easterly breeze developing may introduce patchy cloud. Risk of showers by Friday across central and southern areas. Warm in the sunshine.”

Its long range forecast from September 21 to 30 says: "Settled but often cloudy across many central and northern areas through the weekend, with the best of the sun found to the west of high ground.

"Whereas showers and some thunderstorms are expected by day across the south. Most places away from North Sea coasts will see above average temperatures through the weekend. Early next week, the risk of showers and thunderstorms will reduce across the south, with a very short-lived settled spell likely as the transition occurs.

"Following this transition areas of cloud, rain and stronger winds are expected to push in from the west once again, but the focus for this heavy rain is likely to be across the southern half of the UK, with more settled conditions perhaps holding on for the longest in the north."

Heading past the autumn equinox on September 22, there could well be an increased chance of showers, "some of which could be heavy or thundery."

The Met Office long range forecast added toward the end of the month there were signals that the country will experience more changeable conditions with wind and rain spreading from the west.