UK weather: showers at first but sun and 24C temperatures due this week

The area of high pressure that has kept things mostly dry over the last week is still close to the UK.

However, a zone of cold air high in the atmosphere has been drifting overhead causing instability, allowing shower clouds to bubble up.

This will top up rain gauges in some locations but there will be gaps in between meaning some places will stay mostly or completely dry.

There are parts of the UK that could do with some rain.

Up until Monday morning, Cambridge and Bedford had both received only 2% of their average April rainfall.

In contrast, Tiree (Inner Hebrides) has had a wetter month than normal with 171% of its typical rainfall, and Katesbridge (Co. Down) has received 113% of its average April amount.

These cloudy, damp conditions will linger for some on Tuesday morning – but the day will turn increasingly sunny as high pressure reasserts itself to the north of the UK.

A brisk easterly breeze will develop in southern England and south Wales.

The highest temperatures are likely to be found in Northern Ireland and Scotland with highs of 17-19C (63-66F).