UK weather forecast: Dry day with sunny spells but rain is on the way tonight

A largely dry day of weather is forecast for much of the UK today - however showers are expected in some regions this evening.

Any lingering rain will clear the eastern coasts of England first thing. Most places will remain largely dry with sunny spells, however, much of Wales, south-west England and Scotland will see heavy and thundery showers.

Tonight the weather will be unsettled with persistent rain, heavy at times, across much of England and Wales. Rain over Scotland initially but this should soon clear to allow mainly dry conditions with clear spells.

Here's a closer look at the weather in key regions across Britain.

London

Early rain will mostly clear away first thing. Then rather cloudy before noon with the odd shower possible, but bright with some sunshine after midday. Further light showers during the evening. Moderate south-westerly winds. Max temp 21-24C (70-75F).

Edinburgh

It will be mainly dry with spells of sunshine and just the small chance of a light shower. Scattered light showers during the evening. Moderate south-westerly winds. Max temp 18-21C (64-70F).

Glasgow

It is going to be mainly cloudy with scattered showers, mostly during the afternoon. Heavier showers at the end of the day. Moderate south-westerly winds. Max temp 16-19C (61-66F).

Manchester

It will then be mainly dry with sunny spells, but there is the chance of a shower later. Moderate southerly winds. Max temp 19-22C (66-72F).

Midlands

It will be mostly dry and bright with sunny spells and variable amounts of cloud. Moderate south-westerly winds. Max temp 20-23C (68-73F).

Leeds and Sheffield

It is expected to be dry for much of the time with hazy sunshine, but there is the small chance of a shower later. Gentle westerly winds. Max temp 20-23C (68-73F), but cooler over many upland areas.

South West

A day of sunshine and showers, some of these showers could be heavy at times. Moderate south-westerly winds. Max temp 20-23C (68-73F).

Wales

In the south it will be bright with sunny spells and scattered showers. These will mostly fall during the afternoon. Brisk south-westerly winds. Max temp 18-21C (64-70F).

In the north it is going to be bright with periods of sunshine, although do expect some showers too. Fresh south-westerly winds. Max temp 18-21C (64-70F), but cooler over many upland areas.

Northern Ireland

It is going to be mainly cloudy with scattered light showers, mostly during the afternoon. Heavier showers at the end of the day. Moderate southerly winds. Max temp 17-20C (63-68F).

What will the weather be like tomorrow and Saturday?

Unsettled in the north on Friday with brisk winds for many places as well as showery outbreaks of rain, occasionally heavy and thundery. It is expected to be mainly dry further south.

Showers are expected in the west on Saturday, but drier elsewhere.