According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to surge to 26C on Friday, potentially marking the hottest day of the year so far in the UK. As many as 53 areas across England and Wales could see the mercury rise to 20C or above.
Temperature Forecast
The Met Office's latest forecast suggests that southern areas could experience highs of 26C on Friday, just shy of the current 2026 record of 26.5C recorded on April 8 at Kew Gardens, London. On Thursday, southern regions may reach 23C, while northern areas could see 21C. By Friday, the north could enjoy 23C, with the south basking in 26C. Saturday is expected to bring 23C in the south and 19C in the north.
Weather Models and Maps
The UKV weather model predicts highs of 25C on Friday afternoon, with the warmest temperatures in the south-east, particularly around London. The Midlands could hit 23C, while South Wales faces 21C. Temperature anomaly maps show deep red across the UK and most of western Europe at midday on Friday, indicating temperatures well above the seasonal average.
In total, the UKV model suggests 53 counties or regions across England and Wales will see temperatures of 20C or above on Friday. These include areas such as Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Greater London, Essex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and many others. In Wales, all principal areas from Blaenau Gwent to Wrexham are expected to reach at least 20C.
Not an Official Heatwave
Despite the sweltering conditions, this warm spell is not expected to constitute an official heatwave. An official heatwave is declared when temperatures reach or exceed the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. This threshold varies from 25C to 28C across the UK, with 28C in the south-east and 25C in northern areas.
Forecast Details
The Met Office notes that some showers could develop on Friday, though warm and sunny conditions will prevail. The forecast states: "Plenty of sunshine Thursday, after a grey start. Perhaps a few more showers developing on Friday, otherwise staying warm and sunny. These becoming more numerous come Saturday." BBC Weather adds: "Thursday will see plenty of sunshine and it will be windy albeit less so than the previous day. Warmer and easing winds by Friday with scattered thundery showers across England and Wales. Sunnier with the odd shower elsewhere. Variable cloud and showers on Saturday some of these heavy."
