The region is set to bask in a mini-heatwave today with temperatures rivalling the likes of Madrid, Athens and Sydney.

The weather has been topsy-turvy this year and now summer is expected to return for one last blast this week.

Yesterday saw temperatures hit highs of 18 degrees but on today the mercury is set to hit as high as 22 degrees - the same as Spain, Greece and Australia.

But the unseasonably warm weather could be short lived with forecasters predicting more unsettled weather towards the end of the week.

By Thursday, while temperatures are expected to stay around 19 degrees, forecasters are warning of a mix of rain and cloud.

And the outlook is just as miserable with the five day forecast full of more rain predictions, although Sunday and Monday could see a return of the sun.

Looking ahead, the Met Office says there is an increasing chance that the weather will turn more settled as high pressure re-establishes.

Temperatures are expected to return to their seasonal norms by November.