A mini-heatwave could be set to bathe the UK in warmer temperatures up to 20C in just a matter of days, but not before Britain is hit by a potential Arctic blast next weekend.
Long-range maps from WXCharts show brighter conditions for East Anglia and the South East for May 5 and 6, with some areas experiencing much hotter conditions.
However, maps for the weekend coming on April 28 and 29 show before the sunshine Britons might have to endure a last chilly blast with cold air coming from the north, which could even trigger snow.
But optimists can take solace from the knowledge that maps show early May looks set to bring warmer conditions as the nation heads hopefully towards summer.
The Met Office said the mercury should start to rise week-by-week, with temperatures that will be a “little above average as the period progresses”.
The weather body added it was “also worth noting that average temperatures themselves rise by around 1C per week at this time of year.”
James Madden from Exacta Weather believes conditions will remain cool this weekend, after which there are signs of a gradual upward trend in temperatures into May.
He previously told the Mirror:: “Following on from this will see high pressure and more settled weather finally beginning to take hold; however, it is still likely to be on the cool side to begin with, and before temperatures start to finally warm up significantly during the final third of April and into early May.
“It is within this period that we could see maximum temperatures ranging in the mid to high 20’s, at the very least for the first time this year and over a sustained time period.”
Weather expert Jim Dale told Express.co.uk Britain was yet to experience a heatwave this year, but conditions may materialise soon.
He said: “We haven’t had heatwave weather as such so what we’re getting is par for the course.
“What we need in order for us to take a heatwave in is a southernly flow, out of Spain through France and into the UK. I would expect it will materialise as we go through the early part of May.”
This Evening and Tonight:
The clearest skies will be in the southeast overnight where there could be a localised frost. Elsewhere, mostly cloudy with patchy rain across Wales and northern England where it will turn murky with hill and coastal fog.
Monday:
Cloud and light rain edge southeastwards across most areas with some persistent rain in parts of the northeast. Brighter conditions following behind this later. Temperatures close or just below average.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
High pressure remains in charge to start but slowly makes its way westwards. Remaining cloudy for many with some showers, but also occasional brighter periods. Temperatures generally just below average.
