Sunshine and warmer temperatures are set to return to various parts of the UK this week, with some regions expecting highs of around 20C based on new weather forecasts. The possibility of a mini-heatwave later this week, potentially by Thursday, April 16, is being indicated by WXCharts data, showing significant areas of the country transitioning to clearer skies and increased warmth. The South East is anticipated to experience the highest temperatures, with Kent, particularly Canterbury, projected to reach 20C.
According to the Met Office’s forecast for Wednesday to Friday, Wednesday may bring showers, persistent rain, and brisk winds, although it could feel warm during any periods of brighter weather. Thursday is expected to feature a mix of sunshine and showers, with more rain arriving in the west on Friday.
Weather conditions are likely to vary across the UK, with a mix of sunshine and showers in different regions. While the South East is forecasted to enjoy the warmest weather, other areas may experience temperatures in the mid to low teens.
Looking ahead to Friday, the Met Office suggests that the southeast is likely to be drier and sunnier. Conditions may become drier and more settled towards the end of the period, particularly in the north or northwest, with the possibility of showers or longer rain spells in the south. Overall, temperatures are expected to be near or slightly above average.
Despite the upcoming warmer weather, the Met Office does not categorize the conditions as an “official heatwave.” According to their website, an official heatwave is recognized only if temperatures meet or exceed specific thresholds specified for each UK county for a minimum of three consecutive days.
The rise in temperatures follows a notably mild March, which provisional Met Office data ranks as the 10th warmest on record. Wales saw its joint fourth warmest and England its joint sixth warmest March since 2017.
Dr. Emily Carlisle, a Met Office Scientist, commented on the provisional data, noting that March brought notably warm weather, especially for England and Wales, along with ample sunshine and near-average rainfall overall. Despite the milder conditions, March also saw a mix of weather patterns across the UK, including unsettled spells and even instances of snow in some areas, which is typical for the transitional month of March.