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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jane Dalton and Nicole Wootton-Cane

UK braces for rain and gale-force winds as temperatures slump

  • The UK experienced one of its warmest April days on record this week, with 26.6C recorded in Kew Gardens on Wednesday, marking the hottest day of 2026 so far.
  • Temperatures have since cooled significantly from the record highs, returning to seasonal norms of 10-14C as cooler air from the Atlantic moves in.
  • The weekend forecast predicts unsettled weather, beginning Friday with sunny spells turning to rain and strengthening winds in western areas, with coastal gales expected overnight.
  • Saturday will see rain across central and eastern regions, followed by heavy showers in Northern Ireland and western Scotland, accompanied by strong winds nationwide.
  • Sunday is expected to bring a mix of sunny spells and showers, with high winds particularly affecting western coastal areas, and temperatures remaining around the seasonal average.

IN FULL

Rain and severe gales to hit UK this weekend as sunny spell ends

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