Britons experienced summery weather in various parts of the UK today, with meteorologists forecasting temperatures surpassing those in Barcelona. Reports indicate highs ranging from the low to mid-20s, with the warmest conditions observed in parts of north-west Wales, marking today as the warmest day of the year so far. This surpasses the 20.9C temperature recorded in Pershore, Worcestershire, on March 31.
Expectations point to South-East England potentially reaching temperatures as high as 26C on Wednesday, with London expecting highs of 24C and Manchester 20C. These temperatures exceed the average for early April and follow shortly after Storm Dave caused widespread damage and disruptions over the Easter weekend, with strong winds of up to 70mph affecting northern England, Scotland, and Wales.
Chief Forecaster Paul Gundersen from the Met Office commented, “We are witnessing a brief yet significant period of very warm weather for early April, with temperatures usually seen in late spring or early summer. This could be the warmest spell for this time of April since 2020, a year notable for the COVID‑19 lockdown.”
However, this warmth will be short-lived, as temperatures are expected to drop considerably with more unsettled conditions emerging later in the week. The warmer weather is attributed to Storm Dave’s movement and the development of high pressure, bringing warmer air from the continent due to prevailing wind directions at this time of year. Midland, East Anglia, and South-East England are likely to experience the highest temperatures on Wednesday, potentially reaching between 24C and 26C. Generally, it will be dry, sunny, and very warm.
The Met Office’s pollen forecast indicates “very high” pollen levels in much of England and Wales for the next few days, with Scotland and Northern Ireland also experiencing “high” levels that are expected to decrease later in the week. Despite some reports labeling it a “heatwave,” the Met Office clarifies that official heatwave conditions require temperatures to meet or surpass specific thresholds set for each UK county for at least three consecutive days.
Experts anticipate cooler temperatures and windy conditions on some coasts today, with western Scotland and western Northern Ireland expecting thickening clouds and rain. While some areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland may experience more clouds and isolated showers, temperatures will still remain mild.
As a change in weather is anticipated to arrive from the west on Thursday, the South-East is likely to retain the warmest conditions, with temperatures around 20C. Over the weekend, temperatures are forecasted to hover around 10C in the north and 14C in the south.
This forecast contrasts with the chaos brought by Storm Dave over the Easter weekend, especially impacting Scotland where roads were blocked by fallen trees or hazardous conditions, leaving some homes without power in southern and western areas.
Notably, yellow wind warnings covered all of Scotland on Saturday, while an amber warning was issued for southern Scotland, northern England, and Wales. The west Highlands, Argyll, and the Western Isles experienced heavy snow following a yellow alert from forecasters, with snow flurries hitting central Scotland on Sunday.
