Exact date warmer weather will arrive as 20C…

Exact date warmer weather will arrive as 20C temperatures expected soon

After a very chilly weekend, the weather will at last start to warm up next week, according to forecasters. In fact, some parts of the UK will be basking in temperatures of 20C by Easter Monday.

The spring-like conditions look like finally materialising after a very cold, and at times snowy, March. British Weather Services' senior meteorological consultant, Jim Dale, said the weather will improve gradually and by Easter it could feel like summer.

"There are good signs that this kind of change of fortunes will arrive just in time for Easter," he told the Mirror. "So, as we go through the Easter period, I would expect us to nudge the 20-degree mark in the south and east, and maybe even the north into eastern Scotland."

He added: "That's a bit of conjecture, and maybe a bit of hope, but it wouldn't be that unusual." The weather certainly looks likely to improve through next week in Nottinghamshire, with the mercury set to hit 14C and 15C by Wednesday, March 29 and Thursday, March 30 respectively.

The Met Office says in its medium-range forecast: "Into early April, more settled conditions and drier interludes become increasingly likely, although a chance of wetter, potentially thundery conditions at times. Temperatures are generally above average, though colder conditions remain possible in the far north and northeast at first."

The outlook from April 7 onwards reads: "A general trend to less unsettled conditions is likely into April. Still some wetter weather at times, with occasional showers, which could be heavy or thundery.

"However, most areas are likely to see some spells of dry weather, with potentially frost and some fog overnight. The chances of strong winds are probably lower than normal, and whilst temperatures are likely to generally be near to slightly above normal, cooler spells remain possible."