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London is set to be battered by heavy rain and gales by the end of the week, despite an unseasonably warm start on Monday.

Strong winds of 40 to 50mph and heavy rain are expected from Thursday, bringing an end to the current milder conditions.

Met Office forecasters said a close eye should be kept on the forecast over the next few days, with weather warnings possible.

It comes after thermometers in parts of the south east were set to reach 15C or 16C on Monday.

A forecaster told the Standard: “The temperatures will be in the mid-teens for the next few days – very mild for this time of year – with cloud and some rain.

“It will remain mild on Thursday but we will see more substantial, heavy rain and widespread gales.

“This will be strongest in exposed areas like coasts and mountain-tops, but wind speeds could reach up to 40 or 50mph in London.

“There could be disruption to travel and people should keep an eye on the forecast over the next few days for any warnings.”

It is expected to be drier and brighter on Friday but it will also be colder, with temperatures dropping to nine or 10C.