WARMER weather is expected to return to East Lancashire next week as we head into the final full week of July.

Following a dull and damp weekend, temperatures are set to rise to 25 degrees celsius by Thursday, with sunny intervals increasing as the week goes on.

Tomorrow will reach 21 degrees celsius by mid afternoon but overcast skies look to remain throughout the day.

The chances of rain are slim this week as we get closer to the hosepipe ban, which starts on Sunday, August 5.

On the Met Office's website, a spokesman said: "A misty and murky start on Monday in places, but this will quickly lift, leaving another very warm day with sunny spells.

"Cloudier on Tuesday with some showery rain in places throughout the North West, before turning drier, warmer and sunnier again on Wednesday.

"Very warm and sunny on Thursday, but a risk of showers later."