This week's unseasonal mini-heatwave could be followed by a return to cold and wintry conditions across the UK, new weather maps suggest. Parts of Britain are expected to reach 28C on Wednesday, April 30, as a sweltering mini-heatwave takes hold - but eager sun-seekers could be forced to put their sunglasses away next week, as subzero temperatures return. In a dramatic drop of the mercury, temperatures in regions including the Scottish Highlands, Yorkshire and the West Midlands, will plummet from the high 20s to around -2C on Monday, May 5.

Other areas could see average temperatures of between 0C and 3C, according to maps from WXCharts using MetDesk Data. The jarring shift in climate will hold into next week, with most of England hovering around the 1C mark on Tuesday, May 6 - although parts of Scotland could rise to 6C at around the same time.

A huge band of rain is also forecast to move across north western England, Northern Ireland and the northern most tip of Scotland by 6am on May 6.

The easterly weather front will continue to batter parts of the northern coast until midday, with drizzle across the UK and patchy snow in Scotland expected during the rest of the week.

The return to cold and rainy weather will mark a dramatic departure from the unseasonal highs experienced by most of Britain this week. The Met Office said Tuesday, April 29, was the hottest day of the year so far after temperatures reached 24.7C in London.

The forecaster said the mercury would begin to fall on Friday and warned of "uncertainty" at the beginning of May, as a low-pressure front begins to move from the south.

Today:

Very warm temperatures for most of the UK, with steady spells of sunshine. Scattered showers and some cloud in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Tonight:

Continued sunshine and dry conditions across Britain, with a small chance of mist patches around dawn. Scattered showers possible in northern areas.

Thursday:

Another warm and sunny day for most areas, although accompanied byan increased risk of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures may begin to drop in the north.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Thundery showers possible on Friday, but generally dry and bright in most places. Temperatures could drop by up to 10C to a seasonal average over the weekend.