UK weather: African plume to bring 72-hour heatwave as temperatures soar to 20C

UK weather update: 72-hour heatwave from African plume to sweep Britain - temperatures soar in hours Brits are gearing up for a burst of unseasonably warm weather as the latest forecasts predict a sharp temperature increase across parts of the UK in the coming days.

According to WXCharts, an African plume is on its way to the UK, set to chase away the recent chill and usher in balmy conditions. The mercury is expected to start rising from 6pm today (Thursday), with the warmer weather predicted to linger for nearly 72 hours, say forecasters.

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By Friday evening, the south of the UK could enjoy temperatures between 19-20C, per the latest weather predictions. This marks a significant shift from the persistent showers and blustery conditions brought on by Atlantic low pressure systems, but the respite may be brief.

Forecasters anticipate a return to more unsettled weather next week, with cooler air expected to make a comeback by Sunday. Netweather.

tv's weather specialist Jo Farrow noted: "Glasgow will be around 11C this weekend but Cambridge could reach 19C on Saturday," as reported by the Express, reports the Mirror.

In a recent blog post, she detailed the weekend's weather outlook: "For Saturday morning there will be bands of rain, with showers to the north and brighter conditions. To the south, there will be more cloud with damp weather for the coasts of western Wales and NW England. Where breaks in the cloud appear, it will be bright, even sunny and warm but the onshore flow could keep things rather grey in the west. During Saturday afternoon there will be sharp showers for Northern Ireland and Scotland, and by evening into northern England."

She further noted: "They will be mixed with sunny spells but also the risk of hail and thunder and by Sunday morning, sleet and snow over the Scottish mountains. For many, Sunday will start fine, bright but feeling fresher. The showers get going through the day with a rash developing for Northern Ireland and Scotland, although the northeast looks more sheltered. Elsewhere they are lighter and more scattered with a fair day for many."

The Met Office has forecasted warm, albeit damp and muggy weather in the coming days. They've issued a warning for low cloud and drizzle across southern England and Wales today, with some areas expected to clear up by tonight.

Tomorrow promises brighter conditions across parts of Scotland, while England and Wales are predicted to enjoy mostly dry weather with warm sunshine. The same is expected on Saturday, although showers may start to develop in the northwest.

By Sunday, temperatures are set to drop, with blustery showers forecasted for Monday.

Regions expected to bask in 19-20C temperatures on Thursday and Friday include:.