Temperatures to hit 18C this week in Devon and Cornwall as Met Office warns of heavy rain and wind

The Met Office says that temperatures will reach up to 18C this week - but there will be no shortage of heavy rain

Forecasters predict a bout of warm weather for the South West as temperatures are set to hit a near pleasant 18C this week, despite another round of heavy rain. The Met Office suggests that despite recent overcast conditions, a flow of warmer air from the south west will lift temperatures in the coming days.

Sadly, anyone hoping to enjoy what could be the last warmth of the year will be foiled by a fresh deluge of heavy showers. Weather maps indicate a drizzly start to the week following a bout of heavy rain last night (Sunday, October 13) with stiff wind gusts nearing 30mph also anticipated overnight.

Today's temperatures are poised to peak at 14C, rising to between 17-18C by Tuesday and Wednesday. Expect a mixture of sunny spells and showers across Devon and Cornwall on Tuesday, with the forecast pointing to more substantial rainfall on Wednesday.

A brighter outlook is predicted for Thursday, including more sunshine, but Friday looks set to welcome back the rain. Later in the week, the Met Office advises: "Often cloudy on Tuesday with bright spells but heavy showers likely arriving later. Rain at times on Wednesday, this heavy at times. Brighter on Thursday. Much milder than of late."

This comes as the Met Office highlights 'uncertainty' in the weather forecast, influenced by the aftermath of catastrophic Hurricane Milton, which has wreaked havoc across Florida this week. Tragically, more than a dozen lives have been lost as a result of the storm.

Europe and the UK might not be bracing for conditions as severe as those in the US, but forecasters have issued warnings that the after-effects could still influence our weather patterns. The Met Office has stated: "Milton is expected to weaken to a tropical storm once over the open water of the Atlantic and transition into an extratropical storm after it passes to the south of Bermuda.

"Beyond this, the remnant is likely to either be absorbed into a frontal zone or dissipate in situ in the subtropical Atlantic. If the remnants of Milton end up in the Atlantic as a weakening feature, it could cause some forecast uncertainty next week."

South West weather forecast

Today:

A damp start with some drizzle in places. Turning dry through the morning but staying mostly cloudy. Brightening up for many, particularly so in southern coastal regions and feeling milder. Maximum temperature 17 °C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Often cloudy on Tuesday with bright spells but heavy showers likely arriving later. Rain at times on Wednesday, this heavy at times. Brighter on Thursday. Much milder than of late.