The UK is set to bask in temperatures of up to 25C later this week in what would be the warmest April for six years, according to Met Office forecasters.
The conditions mark an unexpected departure from the snow and severe gales of Storm Dave seen over the Easter Weekend. Much of the country is forecast to enjoy highs of between 18C to 25C, well above the early April average of 12C to 15C.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said the weather was “unusually warm” for the time of year, adding: “The average temperature should be around 15C.”
He said: “The wind is coming in from a southerly direction, and with not many clouds around, it should be well above the early April average.
“The last time we saw similar temperatures this time of year was in 2020, when we reached 26C in Cornwall.”
The warmest conditions will be felt in London, which is forecast to reach 25C at 5pm on Wednesday. At the same time, Reading will be 24C, Cambridge 23C, and Southampton 22C, as the southwest gets the most sunshine.
It will still be warm further north, however, with Manchester set to reach 20C and Newcastle to hit 19C.
Tuesday will be mostly dry and sunny, with windier conditions along the coasts. Some showers are anticipated into the afternoon across western parts of Wales and the northwest of Scotland.
Although Wednesday is set to be warmer than Tuesday, the Met Office warned of a “big change” on Thursday when temperatures are expected to drop to between 10C and 13C.
Temperatures are then forecast to hover around this level in the south over the weekend.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “It’s all purely down to wind direction at this time of year.
“For the next couple of days, we’re dragging in that warm, southerly wind, which will allow us to see temperatures reach the mid-20s.
“As we go into Thursday, we’ll see temperatures return to normal for the time of year as we see the weather turn more changeable with advances of rain and showers.”
Here is the Met Office’s forecast for the next five days:
Today
A dry and sunny day for most. Cloudier across Northern Ireland and western Scotland, with the risk of some rain here during the afternoon. Breezy around some coasts, but for many temperatures will be well above the early April average.
Tonight
Outbreaks of rain will continue across western and some northern parts of Scotland. Otherwise, it is dry elsewhere with clear spells. A few fog patches forming across southern England.
Wednesday
Plenty of very warm sunshine once again across much of England and Wales, with temperatures well above average. Mostly dry for Northern Ireland and Scotland though generally cloudier here.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday
Gradually turning wetter and windier across the north and west on Thursday. Likely staying warm and dry in the southeast. Colder, wetter and windier for all on Friday and Saturday.
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