Darlington could be set for an 'Indian Summer' later this month - with temperatures in the town set to reach 21 degrees next week following a cold snap. 

It's been a chilly week in the region after temperatures plummeted - with some areas including Hartlepool even seeing hail showers on Wednesday. 

But it might be too early to dust off all the raincoats and scarves just yet - as the Met Office is predicting dominant high pressure and sunny conditions to spread across the country next week.

In Darlington, temperatures are set to hit 21 degrees next Tuesday, with sunny intervals also predicted across the day for the town. 

This will follow a bitter cold front after an 'Arctic blast' swept the country this week, resulting in below-average temperatures.

However, through the middle and latter part of next week, the forecaster has predicted dry and sunny conditions across the majority of the UK.

The Met Office outlook for Monday, September 16, to Wednesday, September 25, states: "Cloud and outbreaks of rain, perhaps heavy in places, are expected to affect some northern areas at the start of this period. Further south, it is likely to be dry with spells of sunshine.

"Temperatures will mainly be close to average for the time of year.

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"Through the middle and latter part of next week, high pressure will begin to become more dominant, with dry and at times sunny conditions spreading across the majority of the UK.

"Temperatures during the day will probably be above average in many areas, although some cold nights are also possible.

"This pattern will probably persist through the rest of this period, although by late September there is a chance that more unsettled conditions may begin to develop.