Heavy rain and strong winds are set to sweep across the UK this week, according to the Met Office. This comes ahead of a period of dry and sunny weather expected over the weekend. Temperatures are forecast to rise over the weekend, with highs reaching 25°C by the start of next week. However, for now, most of the UK will experience blustery conditions and cooler temperatures, with showers expected throughout the week. An area of low pressure over northern Scotland is bringing rain and wind on Thursday, while showers are predicted in the south and east of England during the morning. The Met Office has warned that all regions of the UK are likely to see rain before the weekend, with temperatures in central and southern England potentially dropping to single digits. Meteorologist Emma Salter noted that showers will continue through Thursday night across Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland. Elsewhere, these showers will gradually ease through Thursday night and into Friday morning. The South East of England is expected to have a clear and sunny start on Friday, while other areas will see clouds thickening and lowering. On Saturday, temperatures are predicted to reach around 16°C in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with England seeing temperatures climb to the low twenties, peaking at 23°C in London. Sunday is expected to be drier and brighter, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 23°C in Wales and southern England, and 18°C in northern England. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see temperatures of around 16°C. Looking ahead, the Met Office forecasts warmer weather across the UK on Monday, with Wales and southern and central England set for temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. Northern Ireland is expected to see highs of 22°C, while Scotland will have temperatures between 19°C and 22°C. The five-day forecast indicates that the South East will be mostly dry and sunny by midday on Thursday, while the North is expected to experience heavy showers and strong winds. Gales are possible in Scotland, with temperatures near average for September. Rain is expected to move into the West on Friday morning, with many eastern and south-eastern areas staying dry. Windy conditions with possible coastal gales are forecast for the North and North West, with temperatures remaining near average. The outlook for Saturday to Monday includes windy conditions with showers, heaviest in Scotland, and patchy rain in the South and West. Drier and brighter conditions are expected on Sunday, with Monday largely dry and warm, though cloudier with rain in the North West.