UK prepares for two weeks of sunshine as temperatures set to soar to 25 degrees

18 April 2024, 10:03 | Updated: 18 April 2024, 10:18

Following a "remarkably wet" start to April, the Met Office says Friday will see that cold front clearing as high pressure moves in from the Atlantic.
Following a "remarkably wet" start to April, the Met Office says Friday will see that cold front clearing as high pressure moves in from the Atlantic. Picture: Alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

Sunshine is set to sweep the UK this weekend, as high pressure sees "above-average" temperatures push the mercury into the high-twenties over the coming weeks.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Following a "remarkably wet" start to April, the Met Office says Friday will see that cold front clearing as high pressure moves in from the Atlantic.

It comes as last Saturday saw the mercury hit 21.8C - the warmest day of 2024 so far.

Now, as a result of the high pressure, temperatures are set to rise, with the south-west of the UK poised to receive a prolonged period of sunshine and "above-average" temperatures.

Britain will finally bid farewell to clouds and outbreaks of rain, the UK's meteorological office has said, with a "mostly fine day" for many on Friday leading to a warm and sunny weekend for most.

Now, according to Exacta Weather's James Madden, the UK could see temperatures soar into the high-20s next week.

"We could see maximum temperatures ranging in the mid to high 20s, at the very least for the first time this year and over a sustained time period," Madden says.

It comes as 4 flood warnings and a staggering 57 flood alerts remain in place across the UK.

It's going to get warmer later this month, it is understood
It's going to get warmer later this month, it is understood. Picture: Getty

Temperatures will "feel warm" with "sunshine and light winds" bringing a wave of much needed dry weather for most of the country, the Met Office has said.

In London, it is forecast to hit 21C on April 30, before rising even further as we head into May.

But as is often the case, it won't just be the south that gets to bask in the warmer temperatures.

Forecasts earlier this week suggested temperatures could to hit 20C in Liverpool and 19C in the east Midlands, and possibly even in Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

In fact, it could even reach record temperatures, according to one weather expert, the Mirror reports.

London could hit 21C on April 30
London could hit 21C on April 30. Picture: WXCharts

“Well it’s not home and hosed just yet but the trend is moving into position. Iberian or African plumes are behind the times when the UK does receive much above average temperatures,” British Weather Services' Jim Dale said.

Read More: Dubai left underwater as fierce storm hits millionaires' playground with roads, airports and shopping malls submerged

Read More: ‘Mini-tornado’ hits UK city as Met Office issues yellow weather warning for high winds up to 55mph

“Iberia has already witnessed record temperatures for the time of year and before long I’ve no doubt we will join the global throng of countries that have seen or are seeing record or near record temperatures.”

He went on: “We will not be immune and late April/early May could well deliver that.”

What does the Met Office say?

The Met Office also predicts a warm start to May
The Met Office also predicts a warm start to May. Picture: Alamy

Naturally, the Met Office is cautious about predicting temperatures weeks into the future.

However, it does have a long-range forecast, which runs until the middle of May.

According to that forecast, April into May will see “a good deal of dry weather continuing for many areas”.

It goes on: “As we move further into May signals are finely balanced between drier than average and wetter than average conditions.

“As such fairly typical conditions are likely, with some good spells of dry weather just about anywhere, but also some more unsettled, showery interludes. Temperatures are likely to trend toward the warm side of average.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Queen Camilla is unwell with a chest infection and has withdrawn from her engagements this week

The Queen withdraws from engagements this week after being taken ill, Buckingham Palace announces

Tesco customers are furious after being forced to wait hours to book a Christmas delivery slot.

'It's like getting Beyonce tickets': Fury as Tesco shoppers face 'ridiculous' online queues for Christmas delivery slots

Ladbaby has broken its silence on historic allegations of gripping.

Charity chart-topper Ladbaby breaks his silence on 'groping' allegations

Labour MP Chris Webb 'attacked and mugged' near London flat by phone snatching gang

Labour MP Chris Webb 'attacked and mugged' near London flat by phone snatching gang

The White House has been barricaded and restaurants and stores boarded up as tensions rise over the election.

Washington DC braces for unrest as White House is barricaded and stores boarded up ahead of US election

Sir Chris Hoy said 'if you're over the age of 45, go and ask your doctor' for screening

Sir Chris Hoy calls for men to be offered prostate cancer screening from the age of 45 after his terminal diagnosis

Kamala Harris went door-knocking in Pennsylvania on the night before the election

Kamala Harris surprises residents in Pennsylvania as she goes door-knocking in final bid to win votes

Nearly 600 police officers sacked in a year amid as shocking figures reveal extent of misconduct crackdown

Nearly 600 police officers sacked in a year as shocking figures reveal extent of misconduct crackdown

Hundreds of people died in the devastating flooding in Spain

British man who survived Valencia floods describes hearing his neighbours’ horrifying final screams before they died

Amy Dowden said she was ‘heartbroken' as she left this year's Strictly Come Dancing

Amy Dowden says her ‘heart is breaking’ after she confirmed she will not return to Strictly

Anthony Scaramucci said the row between Trump and Labour would blow over

'Anglophile' Trump's row with Starmer will have 'no impact' on wider relations with UK, Anthony Scaramucci says

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the United States'

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the US'

Exclusive
Nick Ferrari bumps into Nigel Farage in Pennsylvania as he reflects on Trump's "remarkable" foreign policy achievements

Nick Ferrari bumps into Nigel Farage in Pennsylvania as he reflects on Trump's 'near-death' experience

Live
Americans are heading to the polls in their millions today

US Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Millions of Americans head to the polls in the final race for the White House

Proud Boys claim they will go to voting places as Trump repeats election fraud lies.

Proud Boys making plans to mobilise as Trump repeats election fraud lies

File photo of a real NHS dentist

Desperate Brits fall for scam 'fake NHS dentists' amid years-long waits for appointments