The Met Office has forecast a short period of brighter, warmer weather across parts of the United Kingdom, followed by cloudier, wetter conditions later this week.
Recent days have seen the wet and wintry conditions that affected much of the country ease, allowing for more sunshine, particularly across England and Wales.
Forecasters say the current settled spell is unlikely to last.
From around Thursday, temperatures are expected to fall again as cloud cover increases and rainfall returns to parts of the country.
Meteorologists indicate that the pattern reflects typical late-winter variability in British weather, where the return of Atlantic weather systems often follows short high-pressure periods.
Milder daytime conditions may persist early in the week, with nights likely to remain cool, whilst rain is expected to become more widespread later in the week, and sunshine will be intermittent rather than sustained.
The UK has experienced a relatively unsettled winter period overall, with rainfall levels in several regions above long-term averages.
The current forecast does not suggest an early transition to sustained spring-like conditions, though meteorologists will continue to monitor atmospheric pressure patterns.
“A brief period of southerly winds has drawn in some warmer and drier air,” Dan Harris, chief forecaster at the Met Office said.
“This has enabled cloud to clear across many parts of England and Wales, and with the sun at this time of year beginning to gather a bit of strength it has warmed the air that bit more.
“Today (Wednesday), some parts of south-east England could reach 17 to 18C.”
Harris added: “Temperatures across much of the UK are expected to drop tomorrow (Thursday), relative to today, as winds become more westerly.
“This means a greater influence of moister, Atlantic air, which is likely to be both cooler and contain more cloud.”
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