UK weather: Met Office gives verdict as Indian summer returns this week with 18C temperatures

Brits are set for a warm spell with temperatures climbing this week, sparking hopes of a delayed October ''.

But the has dashed hopes of uninterrupted sunshine continuing all week, with a hot and wet burst likely over the coming days.

Thermometers are expected to hit highs of 18C across the nation, with the mercury predicted to climb even higher as the month goes on. While the east of the UK is set to bask in those in the west might not be so lucky.

The Met Office has cautioned: "Whilst it is due to turn much milder for all of us, there's also some rain in the forecast and this will be heavy and locally disruptive in places." Downpours are anticipated to intensify by Friday, with Wednesday shaping up to be particularly soggy for most, especially in western regions.

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A Met Office graphic reveals the accumulation of rainfall totals by Friday, pinpointing Wednesday as likely the dampest day for the majority, with the west facing the brunt of it. The risk of localised flooding looms, so staying updated with the latest forecasts is advised.

Warnings of potential localised flooding have been issued by the Met Office, flagging that it's "possible" in certain spots.

Despite expectations of milder this week following last weekend's chill, the impending rain could dampen any premature summer vibes.

A very wet interlude is on the cards starting late Tuesday and persisting through much of Wednesday, before conditions clear up for a brighter, drier Thursday.

Temperatures are set to climb this week, with the Met Office chart showing a shift from below average to above average, particularly noticeable during the night.

The Met Office's long-range forecast for October 16-25 indicates that rain will sweep across most regions at times next week, initially hitting the west or southwest hardest, then moving to central and eastern areas.

Yet, there's a silver lining as "a drier and brighter interlude is probable" afterwards, with temperatures expected to be "above average and probably feeling warm in the brighter spells".

While these warmer temperatures are out of the ordinary for this period, they won't break any records. The UK's highest October temperature remains the 29.9C recorded in Gravesend, Kent, back in 2011.