Where temperatures could hit 20C in the UK with warmest day of the year forecast
Parts of the UK could experience the hottest day of the year on Wednesday as temperatures are expected to reach 20C.
Temperatures will be warmer in some areas than in Barcelona and Athens, with heavy rain and strong winds clear in the north.
The weather is forecast to be dry and hot across much of the country after cold weather in the Arctic brought temperatures down over the past few days.
Met Office chief forecaster Dan Harris said: “Wednesday looks set to be the hottest day of the week for many as high pressure dominates.
“The hottest spots are likely to be in parts of West Wales and West England, where it could be 18 to 19C under sunny skies, possibly even 20C.”
Skies will brighten in England and Wales throughout the day on Tuesday. However, much of Scotland and Northern Ireland is expected to be gripped by thicker clouds and see more rain.
Wednesday’s temperatures could surpass the current highest temperature of the year recorded at the beginning of March, when 19.2 degrees was reached in Northolt, London.
Temperatures will drop slightly on Thursday but will remain dry and stable. By Friday the Met Office expects temperatures to cool towards seasonal averages.
Mr Harris added: “This is due to the additional increase expected from the passage of east to south-east winds over upland areas, known as the Foehn effect.
“This week there will be a large daily temperature range, which is the difference between the maximum daytime temperature and the minimum nighttime temperature. Thanks to clear skies during the day, we will see some cold nights after warmer days, with a few places experiencing frost.”
Weekly weather forecast from Meteorology
Tuesday
A cloudy start for most and drizzle in the western hills. Rain outbreaks then move towards northwest Scotland and Northern Ireland. Elsewhere it is dry and increasingly sunny across England and Wales. Feeling of warmth in sunlight.
Nighty
The rain is gradually easing in Scotland and Northern Ireland this evening. There are clear skies elsewhere, with patches of mist and fog in England and Wales and frost in the countryside.
Wednesday
Dry with plenty of sunlight for most. However, skies will be cloudier in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland with occasional drizzle. Warm in the sunlight.
View from Thursday to Saturday
Mostly dry with sunny weather over the next few days. Thursday is another hot day, but it starts to cool down from Friday. Cold mornings with patches of fog and mist.
