The Met Office forecast suggests a welcome warm spell will be sweeping across the country today with sunny spells throughout the weekend and highs of 21C
A burst of summer sun and welcome warmth is sweeping across the UK today to make way for a mini-heatwave this weekend with highs of 21C in parts – hotter than Greece.
The Met Office predicts it will be feeling warm for most parts of the country today with 27 places set to see temperatures higher than Thursday and generally less windy, stretching from Liverpool in the north to Bude in the south.
Maps suggest it will start to heat up as the day goes on, with a welcome mix of temperatures as low as 10C by midday in northern parts of the country and highs of 17C down south. By late afternoon, the temperature is said to rise to highs of around 19C, including major UK cities like London, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham.
In Glasgow, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has warned of a “very high” risk of wildfires as temperatures reach 20C today which could soar to 21C over the weekend.
Tonight, a dry night is predicted to follow to make way for another sizzling day on Saturday.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said high pressure would “remain broadly in charge” through the weekend and “most places will remain dry with a fair amount of sunshine”.
He explained: “As is often the case, there are a few exceptions, with cloudier conditions for some at times and patchy rain possible for northern Scotland later in the weekend.
“But in the sunshine, we’re expecting temperatures to steadily climb, likely peaking in the low 20s on Friday and over the weekend. Onshore breezes will keep some coastal areas somewhat cooler.”
The 27 areas forecast for a heatwave
- Glasgow
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Andover
- Bristol
- Wells
- Salisbury
- Gillingham
- Winchester
- Yeovil
- Bridgwater
- Taunton
- Bude
- Barnstaple
- Colwyn Bay
- Bangor
- Caernarfon
- Porthmadog
- Barmout
- Machynlleth
- Aberystwyth
- Aberaeron
- Cardigan
- Llandeilo
- Penrhiw-Llan
- Burry Port
- Monmouth
Additional forecast data from WXCharts, based on MetDesk modelling, indicates that a warm spell will move across parts of England and Wales by Saturday April 25, with the highest temperatures focused on the South and the Midlands.
London is forecast to be among the warmest locations, reaching highs of 21°C, while nearby counties such as Berkshire and Surrey are also set to experience unusually warm conditions for April. Surrounding areas, including Kent, Crawley and Reading, are expected to see temperatures peak at around 20°C.
Further west, Worcestershire and the wider West Midlands are also likely to enjoy warm conditions, with highs of 21°C and nearby areas hovering around 19C. More broadly, regions from Leeds southwards — including the Midlands, Wales, the South East and South West — are expected to see temperatures ranging between 17°C and 21°C, with many areas settling around 18°C to 19°C.
Conditions will be cooler further north, with Scotland expected to see temperatures between 7°C and 9°C in many areas. Parts of the Scottish Highlands — particularly around Dumfries and Galloway — could experience warmer spells of up to 17°C, while the Lake District may reach highs of around 16°C.
The outlook comes as the Met Office suggests largely dry and sunny conditions as April draws to a close.
In its long-range forecast covering April 28 to May 7, it says high pressure is likely to remain centred, bringing predominantly dry conditions with a mix of cloudier spells and sunnier days.
For the most part, rain is expected to be kept at bay though far west and northwest may see some showers at times.
The Met Office adds temperatures will continue to sit above normal.
