Summer set to return as high pressure brings southern winds

Summer is returning as the temperature rises after a damp and chilly August.

Londoners can expect temperatures of up to 22C as the capital enjoys sunny spells and warm winds blowing in from the continent. The capital is expected to experience fewer showers than elsewhere in the country.

The warm spell comes after an exceptionally cloudy few weeks which brought heavy rains and cold nights. Forecasters said it was too early to say whether Londoners would enjoy an Indian summer, when a warm, dry spell occurs in the autumn months.

Met Office forecaster Helen Chivers said: "It looks really quite pleasant through to the end of the weekend and probably into the early part of next week as well. It looks fine and sunny and warm all the way through until Monday."

An area of high pressure to the east, bringing winds from the warmer south, is pushing up temperatures. The second half of this month is expected to be unsettled.