Somerset is set to see a change in the weather this week as rain and strong winds give way to blazing sunshine.

There has been a breezy start to the week, with showers and a few brighter spells, before it becomes cloudier from the west.

Rain, heavy in places will move eastwards through the afternoon, accompanied by strengthening winds which will give gales, especially around the coast later. Maximum Temperature 13C.

Tonight will see wet and very windy overnight with gales in places. The heavy rain will gradually become lighter and patchier later leaving a damp end to the night. Minimum Temperature 9C.

Tuesday will see a dull and damp start, however it will get drier and brighter through the day whilst remaining windy. Feeling cool in the strong wind. Maximum Temperature 17C.

The outlook for Wednesday to Friday is for variable amounts of cloud and some sunshine as the wind eases allowing it to become noticeably warmer.

Temperatures aould however soar above 20C next weekend as the country sizzles.

Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: "It is a real contrast in weather from the early part to the end of the week.

"Monday and Tuesday will be cool and often wet and windy. But then the high pressure starts to build across the UK and and it certainly becomes very warm and locally hot in the South.

"Wednesday is the transition day from the unsettled to the better weather with temperatures reaching around 20C (68F) in the South.

"Friday into the weekend will see a much bigger increase with strong sunshine. Certainly is it good weather for getting out and about.

"May so far has been cool and the temperatures below average, so it is quite a contrast - a big change in the coming week."