Warmer temperatures and sunshine this week bring highs of 18C.

The Met Office said parts of southern England could reach 18C on Wednesday with the sunniest days midweek; rain and cloud are expected to return later in the week as low pressure moves in.

Britain is set for a short milder spell in the final week of meteorological winter, with warmer temperatures and more sunshine replacing recent storms and dull skies. The Met Office forecasts temperatures building through the week, supported by south-westerly winds, with southern England notably warmer than the north. Wednesday is expected to be the best day for dry weather and sunshine before conditions turn more unsettled. The report also noted that this winter has had below-average sunshine and above-average rainfall compared with 30-year norms. Key details: - The Met Office forecasts southern England to reach about 13C today, 14C tomorrow and up to 18C on Wednesday, with northern areas several degrees cooler. - Wednesday is expected to be the sunniest and driest day, with lengthy sunny spells in many areas, especially the South. - Rain and more cloud are forecast to return across northern and western areas on Thursday as a low-pressure area moves in. - The UK has received roughly 70% of its average winter sunshine so far, and winter rainfall is above the 30-year average. - Forecasters highlighted regional differences in rainfall this winter and noted that a warmer atmosphere holds roughly 7% more moisture per degree Celsius of warming, which can make downpours heavier. Summary: A short milder spell will bring warmer, sunnier conditions for several days, particularly in southern England. Late in the week temperatures are expected to fall back and rain will return for northern and western areas as low pressure moves across the UK. The Environment Agency reported 52 flood warnings and 121 flood alerts in place in England at the time of the report.