The United Kingdom is anticipating a period of warm weather, with temperatures potentially reaching 23 degrees Celsius before a shift towards unsettled conditions. This follows a spell of high pressure that has brought sunshine and temperatures exceeding the seasonal average.

Scotland and Northern Ireland experienced their highest temperatures of the year on Tuesday, with the possibility of further increases later in the week. Perthshire reached 20.9 degrees Celsius, and Castlederg hit 19.4 degrees Celsius.

Saturday is expected to bring more warm weather, with London potentially reaching 23 degrees Celsius and Manchester 21 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are forecast to be higher than those in Barcelona, Spain, and Athens, Greece.

However, the weather is predicted to become more unstable over the weekend. Drizzle is expected as the high-pressure system weakens. According to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway, the shift will introduce more frequent rain and cloud, along with a decrease in temperatures.

Rain is expected to begin in the far northwest late Friday and into Saturday. While much of the UK may start Saturday dry, showers are likely to move in from the south later in the day. Fresher conditions with showers are expected to move in from the west by Sunday. The showers are likely to persist into the following week.