Last Saturday saw the warmest day of the year so far, with highs of 21.8C recorded across the UK. This sparked hopes for a sustained period of hot spring weather to come in the next week. Forecasters are predicting that the UK is set to experience temperatures of up to 25C in just a few days. The first heatwave of 2024 is expected to arrive soon, with warmer conditions forecast for the end of April and the beginning of May. James Madden from Exacta Weather expects high pressure and settled weather to dominate, with temperatures rising significantly in the final third of April and into early May, possibly constituting an official heatwave.
Despite the initial warmth, the days following the peak temperature have been considerably cooler, with temperatures dropping below freezing in some parts of northern England and Scotland. However, conditions are expected to change on April 20, with next month also forecasted to be warmer than usual. Mr. Madden predicts that maximum temperatures could reach the mid to high 20s, lasting over a sustained period. This upcoming heat blast is anticipated to bring warmer weather to the UK after a cooler start to spring, potentially leading to the first official heatwave of the year.
The Met Office also anticipates a “settled” period towards the end of the month, with temperatures hovering around average levels. Most locations are expected to remain dry with variable cloud cover, although some areas may see light rain or drizzle at times. The UK weather agency predicts that the coming weekend will be clear and dry, with temperatures likely to be slightly above average but not reaching the highs seen recently. Thursday is expected to be breezy with light rain across most of the UK, offering a preview of the changes expected later in the month.
While warmer temperatures are on the horizon, it’s important to note that this weekend is not expected to be a heatwave. Temperatures will be close to or slightly above average, feeling warm in the sunshine and light winds. The high-pressure system bringing this warmer weather will also provide mostly dry conditions for much of the country, though some areas in the north and east may experience light rain. Overall, the UK can look forward to a gradual transition to warmer temperatures in the coming weeks, potentially leading to the first heatwave of the year.
Overall, the UK is set to experience a significant shift in weather patterns, with temperatures rising towards the end of April and early May. The initial warmth experienced last weekend is expected to return, potentially resulting in the first official heatwave of 2024. Both meteorologists and the Met Office are predicting settled and warmer conditions, providing relief from the cooler start to spring. While this weekend is unlikely to see extreme heat, the gradual increase in temperatures is a promising sign for sunnier days ahead for the UK.
