Weather forecast: London to bask in weekend of warmth as temperatures predicted to hit 21 degrees

We all know that this year's summer has not been the best on record - but now it looks like September could make up for it.

A mini heatwave is drawing near this weekend and temperatures in the south east are expected to reach up to 21 degrees.

This might not sound mind blowing but considering the rather dreary summer we have had, now is the time to make the most out of the short-lived sunshine before autumn sets in.

Temperatures are set to rise throughout Saturday (September 23) while Sunday (September 24) is expected to be the warmest day.

So, what has caused this little window of sunshine at the start of autumn?

According to The Weather Channel "a blast of warm air from the Atlantic will bump up the mercury across much of Britain over the two days, with Sunday looking to be the warmest day".

"Temperatures will pick up from Saturday, as low pressure to the west begins to dominate, driving warmer winds to the UK to replace the recent chilly conditions," the forecast added.

The south east will be one of the the few parts of the UK which will really see the difference in temperature.

Senior meteorologist, Michael de Villiers, said: "Marked low pressure to the west will bring a warmer advance southerly wind to the UK.

"It will be sunny and dry for the south-east of England, the Midlands and Wales.

"Maximum temperatures will be 16C to 19C, reaching 20C to 21C over south-east England."

But do not get too comfortable, "sunny spells" and "overcast skies" are never too far away and there is a chance it could rain.

Dr de Villiers added: "It will be cloudy for the north and north-west, with mostly light rain for Northern Ireland and patches over north-west England and western Scotland.

"Becoming more windy Saturday when a deeper low pressure will be to the north-west."

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