This week's heatwave conditions do not seem to be here to stay as the UK's weather is turning more changeable over the weekend bringing periods of rain, the Met Office says.

The recent heat and brilliant sunshine for much of the country are gradually subsiding and being replaced by a cooler airmass which introduces some persistent rain in places over the weekend and into next week.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “The recent influence of high pressure on the UK’s weather is now subsiding and is being replaced by more of a dominant westerly weather regime.

“This is seeing temperatures dip back towards average for the time of year for many but will also open the door to some more persistent rain into northwestern areas in the coming days.”

Will it rain in south Essex this weekend?

Much of the south of the county, including Southend, will see a cloudy start to the weekend on Saturday with outbreaks of light rain in the late morning.

However, sunny spells will develop throughout the afternoon, ending with a sunny evening and a maximum temperature of 24C.

Sunday is set to be a fine day with hazy sunshine and temperatures reaching a cooler 22C. 

Looking further ahead

On next week's forecast, the Met Office says: "A westerly weather regime is likely to continue through next week, with bands of rain at times, with these most likely to be heaviest in northern and western areas, but also some drier interludes also likely at times.

"Temperatures are likely to remain around average for the time of year, perhaps slightly higher in parts of the south with more frequent sunshine."