After a mixed and unsettled week of weather, conditions looks to improve across Darlington, South Durham and the wider Tees Valley area this weekend.
While many were delighted to see rain this week after a long dry spell, the gloomy conditions will soon disappear as sunshine is forecast for both Saturday and Sunday.
The brighter conditions will come as welcome news to those planning trips to local attractions, community events and the final weeks of the summer holidays.
Saturday (August 22) is expected to start on the cool side, with temperatures dipping to around 9C overnight before climbing steadily throughout much of the day.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Light to moderate winds should help keep conditions comfortable for those heading out to places such as South Park, Hopetown, Hardwick Park or North Yorkshire beauty spots.
The weather is then expected to improve further on Sunday (August 23), with temperatures forecast to reach around 21C.
Sunshine is expected to dominate once again, making it the pick of the weekend for outdoor activities and family days out.
The sunny spell is likely to be welcomed by organisers of several events taking place across the region, including family attractions, community gatherings and outdoor activities as schools prepare to return after the holidays.
(Image: Sarah Caldecott)
Looking beyond the weekend, the fine weather could continue into the start of next week, with temperatures potentially rising to 22C by Monday (August 24) under largely sunny skies.
Hour-by-hour weekend forecast in Darlington:Saturday:
9am: 13C, Chance of rain 10%, Wind: 2mph.
10am: 13C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph.
11am: 15C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph.
12pm: 16C, Chance of rain 10%, Wind: 3mph.
1pm: 16C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 3mph.
2pm: 17C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 3mph.
3pm: 17C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 3mph.
4pm: 17C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 6mph.
5pm: 16C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 7mph
6pm: 16C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 7mph
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Sunday:
6am: 7C, Chance of rain less than 7%, Wind: 2mph
7am: 8C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 3mph
8am: 11C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 3mph
9am: 13C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 3mph
10am: 15C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph
11am: 17C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph
12pm: 18C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph
1pm: 19C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph
2pm: 19C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph
3pm: 19C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph
4pm: 19C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph
5pm: 19C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind: 2mph
6pm: 19C, Chance of rain less than 5%, Wind 3mph