Can I go away for a weekend and come back on a visitor visa?

I currently have a work visa and plan to extend, but will not be interviewing for my position under a Tier 2 visa until December. My current visa expires mid November. Can I leave the UK for a weekend and return as a visitor to see the interview process through? I then will return to the US for the holidays and apply for my Tier 2 from there. I am an American citizen.
Thanks for your help!