Friday has arrived, and the good news for the weekend is that the weather will remain warm and bright.
Temperatures are expected to reach 24°C in certain parts of the UK today, with the trend likely to continue over the next few days.
The south of England is likely to get the best of the bright weather, thanks to hot air from Europe.
Meanwhile, ex-tropical storm Alex will bring gale-force gusts and heavy rain to Scotland.
‘A bright morning as this weather front clears the way to the east,’ said Met Office forecaster Aiden McGivern of today’s forecast.
‘But an area of low pressure is edging closer in Scotland and this is a relatively deep area of low pressure for the time of year, so some unseasonably strong winds developing.
‘So it is a blustery start to the day even if there is plenty of sunshine around.
‘The potential though for low twenties, especially given a bit of shelter from the wind and given a few bright spells 24°C possible for London.
‘In the south and south-east it is mostly dry and bright during Friday.
‘Heading in to the evening, for many there will be clear spells particularly towards the south and south-east.
‘But for western Scotland more persistent rain moves in from the west, heavy at times and again we’ve got that strong wind.’
The sunny weather is set to stay for much of the weekend though and Aiden added Saturday would get off to a balmy start.
He said: ‘A bright start to Saturday, towards the south and south-east pleasant enough 22 to 23.’