Temperatures could reach 26C on the ‘hottest day of 2024 so far’, according to forecasters, with widespread sunny and clear conditions expected in the days ahead
Britain is set to bask in the hottest day of the year after new weather forecasts showed summery weather finally on the way.
More pleasant conditions are expected to dominate this week after several days of changeable weather in the UK, with sunny, dry weather becoming generally widespread by the weekend. The Met Office said on X (formerly Twitter) that temperatures could reach highs of 26C in the southeast on Saturday, which would make it the warmest day of 2024 so far. Several places also being tipped to reach 21 degrees further north.
In most areas, the mercury is expected to rise steadily throughout the week, signalling a more settled phase to the weather. Ellie Glaisyer, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “It will generally be a lot more settled this week. It will start to feel much more pleasant with temperatures on Tuesday likely to reach the very early twenties in the south, and then later on in the week, we could see temperatures of around 22C to 23C, while the north is likely to reach temperatures in the high teens.”
BBC Breakfast presenter Matt Taylor meanwhile said on Tuesday: “The sun is up here in London, heralding a bit of weather optimism for the rest of the week. The sunshine will be strong overhead with temperatures more widely in the mid 20s, and that story will continue all the way into the end of the week and the weekend. High pressure in charge so it means a lot of dry weather with the potential for a lovely Saturday.”
The hottest day of 2024 so far was recorded on April 12, with 21.5C measured in both St James Park in central London and Northolt in the west of the capital. A autumn heatwave last year saw temperatures reach 33.5C in Faversham, Kent on September 10, the hottest day of 2023. The Met Office defines an official heatwave as “an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity.”
Some mist and fog are expected in the UK on Wednesday morning, though this is expected to soon clear for a most clear and warm day. The northwest will see rain and strong winds later in the day.
UK weather forecast:
Wednesday:
Mist, fog and coastal low cloud soon clearing to leave another dry day with sunny spells. Outbreaks of rain and stronger winds reaching the far northwest later in the morning.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Largely fine and dry with variable amounts of cloud and some sunshine. Outbreaks of rain affecting the north and northwest at times. Feeling increasingly warm.
