New weather maps show that a mini-heatwave is likely to hit the UK with the temperature levels going above 20C. Maps from WXCharts show that the hot weather conditions will blast the country as soon as April 20.
WXCharts maps, made using the Metdesk data, have turned dark red across parts of the UK indicating the possibility of hot weather.
Areas such as Birmingham, Manchester, London, and Plymouth are likely to see temperature levels going as high as 20C, maps indicate.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast during the period suggests “dry” weather but instead of predicting hot weather, warns that temperatures are set to stay below average.
The forecast between April 16 and 25 suggests: “Winds from the north or northwest are expected to affect the UK at the start of this period.
“This brings showers or some longer spells of rain, these most frequent across the north and northwest. Some heavy rain is possible at times with a risk of snow over high ground. However, further south conditions will be drier and brighter.
“Temperatures will mostly be below normal. Through the rest of this period a build of pressure will probably occur meaning more in the way of dry weather, especially in the south and east.
“Some rain is still possible at times, mainly in the northwest. Temperatures will probably return to closer to normal, perhaps slightly above in places.”
According to the Met Office, a heatwave is defined 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.
Average temperatures across the UK in April are usually around 15C, so this is warmer than average for the time of year – but a true heatwave would only be reached if temperatures soared to above 25C in most areas.
However, weather expert Jim Dale warns temperatures are likely to be up and down in the coming days.
He told Express.co.uk: “At the moment, we are in the transition zone for the wind but there is going to be a lot of dry weather around, mainly in the southeast areas of England. The weather conditions are likely to swing up and down in the coming days.
“Sometimes it will stay quite warm, for instance, this Friday and Saturday, and back to being a bit cooler on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
“We might need to get to the end of the month before we start seeing some heatwaves in the country. But at the moment, it looks like it’s getting much better for the most. We are starting to lose water on the ground and it is good news as we are moving in the right direction.
“It’s going to be around 20-21C in southeastern areas and 15C everywhere else on Friday and Saturday. Northern areas are going to be pleasant as far as I can see at the moment. We can call it a bit of a north-south divide without being too pessimistic for the northern areas as there will be some reasonable weather for the next two days.”
This Evening and Tonight:
Low cloud, fog and patchy rain will feed north across western and northern areas overnight, heavy at times in the far northwest. The far northeast should hold onto clear spells. Mostly dry, but cloudy towards the southeast. Mild.
Friday:
Rather cloudy with patchy rain in the north, though brighter across the far northeast of Scotland. England and Wales mostly dry with warm sunshine, but cloudier in the far west.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Warm sunny spells in the southeast on Saturday. Showery and cooler further northwest. Generally bright, breezy and cooler on Sunday. Showers in the northwest, spreading to all parts on Monday.
