Sunshine and warmer temperatures are set to return to various parts of the UK this week, with some areas expecting highs of 20C, as indicated by the latest weather maps.
There is a possibility of a mini-heatwave by Thursday, April 16, according to WXCharts, with significant portions of the country transitioning to clearer skies and increased warmth. The South East is projected to experience the highest temperatures, with Kent leading the way and Canterbury expected to reach 20C.
The Met Office’s forecast from Wednesday to Friday suggests a mix of showers, persistent rain, and brisk winds on Wednesday, with brighter intervals feeling warm. Thursday is anticipated to bring sunshine and showers, while additional rain is predicted to move in from the west on Friday.
Although conditions are expected to vary across the UK, with intervals of sunshine interspersed with showers in certain regions, the warmest weather is likely in the South East. Other areas are forecasted to experience temperatures in the mid to low teens.
Looking ahead to Friday, the Met Office indicates that the southeast is likely to be the driest and brightest region. Towards the end of the period, conditions may become drier and more settled, particularly in the north or northwest, while the south might encounter showers or prolonged spells of rain. Overall, temperatures are expected to be near or slightly above average.
Despite the upcoming warmer spell, the Met Office clarifies that these conditions do not meet the criteria for an official heatwave. According to the Met Office, an official heatwave is only declared if temperatures meet or exceed specific thresholds set for each UK county for at least three consecutive days.
The rise in temperatures follows a notably mild March, with provisional Met Office data ranking it as the 10th warmest on record. Wales experienced its joint fourth warmest March, while England recorded its joint sixth warmest since 2017.
Dr. Emily Carlisle, a Met Office Scientist, commented on the provisional figures, highlighting the warm weather in England and Wales during March, along with ample sunshine and near-average rainfall. She emphasized that March typically sees a mix of weather patterns in the UK, including unsettled spells and even snow in some areas, reflecting the transitional nature of the month from winter to spring.
