West Midlands weather: Make the most of the sun before the rain arrives this week

The week kicked off with a warm start for the Midlands, which saw sun worshippers out and about, making the most of the good weather.

And the Met Office predict today will again be sunny, warm and dry with maximum temperatures of 26 °C in the West Midlands. Tomorrow is also expected to warm - but the wave of hot air - known as a Spanish plume - is now not expected to sweep across the UK due to a change in direction, meaning the predicted highs of 30C (86F) and above are unlikely.

But come Friday, the weather is all set to change with wet and windy conditions forecast.

Families have been making the most of the good weather across the Black Country and Staffordshire.

Hundreds turned out to see the Sandwell Arts Festival on the weekend, whilst medieval fanatics were treated to above average temperatures at Stafford Castle.

While people took to the waters of Walsall Arboretum to cool down on pedal boats and others have been cooling off by the St Peter's Gardens fountain in Wolverhampton.

Speaking about today and tomorrow's weather, meteorologist Alex Burkill said: "It will still be above average for the time of year. It will definitely feel like summer, perhaps just not as hot as we thought it would be."

Temperatures will fall short of mid July's record this year of 33.5C (92F), which saw clear blue skies and uncomfortably warm nights across the region.

Mr Burkill reassured those concerned about problems trying to sleep through muggy nights.

He said: "It is likely to be quite chilly overnight, with temperatures falling to single figures in some places. It could be around 3C or 4C (39F) in parts of Scotland."

Pollen levels will remain moderate across the West Midlands, which will drop to low on Saturday, whilst UV levels will remain high until temperatures fall later in the week.

St John Ambulance has warned sun-seekers to be careful when out and about in hot weather, advising people to keep in the shade where possible, stay hydrated and wear sun cream.

Clive James, Training Officer, said: "The classic signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dizziness and headache - if you're suffering from either, find somewhere cool and drink plenty of fluids.

"If your symptoms don't get any better and you're concerned, seek medical attention."

Councillor Paul Sweet, Wolverhampton council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said sunburn was a risk, which could affect people when they least expect it.

He said: "Sitting in the garden, walking the dog or tending the garden are just a few activities that can catch you off guard, even if it's not that warm.

"It's important to remember that, even if it's cloudy or overcast, you can still burn, so make sure you apply sunscreen before you go out, and top up throughout the day."

Music fans keeping a keen eye on weather forecasts ahead of V-Fest should expect the good weather to be long gone by the start of the festival on Friday.

The good weather is expected to be replaced by unsettled conditions over the weekend.

Met Officer forecaster Emma Sharples said: "There's plenty of sunshine about at the moment and dry weather too.

"It's all change on Friday though as a band of wet weather will pass through in a northern direction.

"It will hit Staffordshire and festival goers and especially campers, should be prepared for some very windy and wet weather - Friday will be a blustery day.

"It won't be as windy on Saturday, although there will be showers about and there could be some bursts of sunshine.

"It is likely there will still be showers again on Sunday.

"It will also feel a lot cooler from Friday onwards, as there isn't as much sunshine and temperatures will reach maximums in the high-teens, maybe 20 Celsius."

"These temperatures will be down to around average for this time of year with a typical mix of summer weather which we're more used to in the UK."