The United Kingdom is poised to experience exceptionally warm weather today, with temperatures forecast to soar as high as 26C, potentially making this the warmest April in six years. This surge in heat represents a significant departure from the seasonal average of 15C for early April, according to the Met Office.
Unusually Warm Conditions Across the Nation
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst described the weather as "unusually warm" for this time of year, noting that the average temperature should typically hover around 15C. He attributed the spike to southerly winds and clear skies, which are driving temperatures well above the early April norm. Dewhurst recalled that similar conditions were last observed in 2020, when Cornwall reached 26C.
Regional Temperature Breakdown
The warmest conditions are expected in London, where temperatures are predicted to peak at 25C by 5pm on Wednesday. In the southwest, Swindon and Southampton will bask in 22C sunshine, while northern regions will also enjoy milder weather, with Manchester forecast to hit 20C and Newcastle reaching 18C.
Contrast with Recent Stormy Weather
This warm spell marks a dramatic shift from the severe conditions brought by Storm Dave over the Easter Weekend, which included snow and gales across much of the country. The sudden change highlights the variability of spring weather in the UK.
Forecast Details and Upcoming Changes
Tuesday is set to be mostly dry and sunny, though windier along the coasts, with some showers anticipated in western Wales and northwest Scotland during the afternoon. While Wednesday will be warmer than Tuesday, the Met Office warns of a "big change" on Thursday, when temperatures are expected to drop to between 10C and 13C, returning to more typical levels for the season.
Weekend Outlook
Temperatures in the south are forecast to hover around 10C to 13C over the weekend, with unsettled conditions including rain and showers. A Met Office spokesperson explained that the current warmth is due to southerly winds, but as the weather turns more changeable, temperatures will normalize.
Five-Day Weather Forecast
Today: Often cloudy in the north and west with early and late rain. Fine elsewhere with sunshine, feeling very warm in the south and east.
Tonight: Rain in Northern Ireland and Scotland; mostly dry for England and Wales with clear skies in the east. Mild except in the northwest.
Thursday: Rain followed by cooler, showery weather moving southeast. Dry and warm in the southeast until later.
Friday to Sunday: Unsettled with rain and showers, some drier and brighter interludes, temperatures near or slightly below average.
