Forecasters predict a sunny weekend across Berkshire, with temperatures expected to reach the high 20s on Sunday.

After a fairly lacklustre July in terms of seasonal weather, things finally seem to be turning around – but how long will it last?

Today (July 27) has arrived full of promise with average temperatures of 22 degrees and a sunny forecast and it seems – for once – that the weather will hold for at least a few days, rising to around 27 degrees on Sunday and Monday across Berkshire and the South East.

The Met Office has even confirmed that some areas in southern England will likely reach “heatwave criteria” in the coming days.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office David Hayter has warned those happily setting up their deck chairs and stoking up the BBQ, however, of uncertainty over how long it will last.

Speaking to the PA News Agency, he explained: “As we go through the weekend, the jet stream will weaken to the west of the UK, generating an area of high pressure that will slowly move (across the country).

“High pressure means the air is sinking from higher in the atmosphere (which) brings dried, settled and sunnier weather. Temperatures will rise too, becoming widely above average.”

The tables could begin to turn mid-next week, as humid air from France increases the risk of thundery showers in the region on Wednesday (July 31).

The Met Office’s long-range forecast then suggests that temperatures will hover around the 21-degree mark for the remainder of the week, signalling a sunny but unsettled start to the new month.