Temperatures are set to reach 30C in some parts of the UK this week before unsettled weekend weather sweeps in with a chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms. By late on Monday, August 25, the remnants of Hurricane Erin will be west of the UK, bringing rain and wind, which will carry on throughout the week, Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said.

The Met Office has released updated forecasts and weather maps ahead of the late August Bank Holiday weekend, and while parts of the UK are set to bask in unseasonal warmth, much of Wales faces a mixed and potentially unsettled outlook.

Experts are warning residents and holidaymakers to take full advantage of any sunny spells, as the weather is expected to deteriorate sharply into next week. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here

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The "grim" aspect of the forecast becomes clearer when looking at Met Office weather maps for Monday and beyond.

A powerful system associated with the remnants of Hurricane Erin is expected to push in from the Atlantic, bringing a surge of wet and windy weather that could particularly impact western regions, including much of coastal and mid Wales.

The Met Office has noted the potential for heavy rain, gusty winds, and difficult conditions for those travelling home from the Bank Holiday.

In Wales, rainfall will be widespread from Tuesday, which is quite the change from the warm and sunny weather we enjoyed over bank holiday weekend.

Mr Snell said: "Today and tomorrow it will be largely dry across the UK apart from the odd spot of rain across Scotland today.

"There will be increasing amounts of sunshine and temperatures continuing to climb.

"On Monday it will be a very warm and sunny picture for most.

"It will start to go downhill and rain will start to move in for Northern Ireland into the afternoon."

People who might be planning to head to beaches on Monday or Tuesday are being advised to head to ones with lifeguards as big waves will arrive.

From Tuesday onwards, spells of rain will be moving across all parts of the country, and it will be wettest in the west, Mr Snell said.

"It will be heavy at times in the west, but at the moment we're not expecting too many impacts, and it may, for farmers or anyone who needs the rain, be welcome," he added.

On Wednesday afternoon, more isolated showers are expected, but some places will experience severe rainfall, as highlighted in the map below in red.

Rainfall will then become more isolated and less severe on Thursday, before returning with lighter showers on Friday.

The influence of Hurricane Erin, although weakened and absorbed into the mid-latitude weather systems, is expected to enhance the Atlantic jet stream, fuelling strong low-pressure systems that could dominate the UK's weather pattern for the final week of August.

While no weather warnings have yet been issued for Wales, it is always advised that residents check local forecasts regularly, especially if they have travel plans or outdoor events before the return to school, as this Bank Holiday may represent summer's final calm before the storm.

Grim Met Office weather maps as people warned to make most of bank holiday