Mapped: Where temperatures in the UK could reach 26C today
The UK will enjoy temperatures of up to 26°C today in its warmest April in six years, according to Met Office forecasters.
The conditions mark an unexpected departure from the snow seen over Easter Weekend and the severe storms of Storm Dave. Most of the country is forecast to experience high temperatures of 18C to 26C; This is well above the average of 12C to 15C in early April.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said the weather was “unusually warm” for this time of year, adding: “The average temperature should be around 15C.”
He said: “The wind is coming from the south and there aren’t too many clouds around, it should be well above average for early April.
“The last time we saw similar temperatures at this time of year was in 2020 when we reached 26C in Cornwall.”
The hottest conditions will be felt in London, with temperatures expected to reach 25 degrees by 5pm on Wednesday. At the same time, the temperature will be 22 degrees in Swindon and Southampton due to the southwest receiving the most sunshine.
However, it will still be hot in the north; Manchester will reach 20C and Newcastle 18C.
Tuesday will be mostly dry and sunny, with windier conditions prevailing along the coast. Light showers are expected in the western parts of Wales and northwest Scotland in the afternoon.
Although Wednesday is set to be warmer than Tuesday, the Met Office has warned of a “major change” on Thursday when temperatures are expected to drop to between 10C and 13C.
It is estimated that temperatures will remain at these levels in the south over the weekend.
A Met Office spokesman said: “At this time of year it all depends on the direction of the wind.
“Over the next few days we will be driving that warm, south wind that will allow us to see temperatures reach the mid-20s.
“As we head into Thursday we will see temperatures return to normal times of year as we see the weather become more variable with increased rainfall and showers.”
Here is Meteorology’s forecast for the next five days:
Today
Generally cloudy in the north and west, with light rain in the early and later hours of the day. Elsewhere, a beautiful day with lots of sunshine and very hot in places, especially in the south and east.
Tonight
There will be streaks of rain in Northern Ireland and Scotland overnight. England and Wales, where the skies are clearest in the east, are mostly dry. A warm night away from the northwest.
Thursday
Following the rain, cool, showery weather will continue to move south-eastwards across the UK throughout Thursday. It remains dry and warm throughout the southeast until later.
Outlook from Friday to Sunday
Unstable with rain and showers continuing through Friday and the weekend. Some drier and brighter interludes develop in between, with temperatures near or occasionally slightly below average.
