While parts of the US have been drying out under the heat, Britain has been deluged by heavy rain over the last few months, but that could be about to change if the Met Office has its forecast right.

Conditions are set to improve across many areas this weekend, in time for the start of the school holidays.

Some areas will have to put up with heavy showers in the remainder of the week, but by Saturday most areas will see drier weather with just a few light showers.

Temperatures will reach the low 20s, a welcome warm spell after the cool and even chilly temperatures most of us have experienced so far this summer.

Sunday will see the improved weather continue for a large part of England and Wales, with mostly dry weather and bright or sunny spells expected. However, the north and west of the UK, can expect some rain, heavy in places and with strong winds.

Martin Young, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “As we move towards the weekend we will see a return to a more normal summer weather pattern for the UK.

"This will bring dry and bright conditions to southern parts over the weekend, and some much needed rainfall to the far north west of Scotland – where it has been exceptionally dry.”

The bad weather has been blamed on a jet stream sitting much further south than expected at this time of year. The jet stream is expected to move back its more usual position to the north of the UK, taking the rainy weather with it.

The Met Office said it was still too early to give a detailed weather report for the opening of the Olympics next week.

Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive at VisitBritain said: “The weather is a peculiarly British obsession, our international visitors come all year round for our temperate climate and enjoy a dash of unpredictability. Sunshine will help to get us all in the party mood, as we show the warmth of our welcome and the British know how to host not just a great Games but a great party too. Come rain or shine - Britain is the place to be in 2012.”

As the improved weather pushes more people outdoors, the Met Office is launching its specialised leisure forecasts to keep people updated on the forecasts at beaches, places of interest and national parks.

Visit: www.metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/leisure-forecast/