First heatwave of 2024 expected to hit in days as ‘three weeks of sunshine’ predicted

We might be in for a scorcher

The Met Office's latest forecast for the latter part of the month predicts "temperatures above normal" for many parts of the UK.

"Through the later part of April and the beginning of May, there is no strong signal for any one weather pattern to dominate over another," the forecasters said.

"As such, further rain and showers are likely at times, perhaps most-frequently in the north and northwest."

They added: "There is also a reasonable chance of some drier and sunnier spells of weather, with these likely being more frequent towards the south and east. Temperatures are signalled to be most likely close to normal for the period as a whole."

Via The Mirror, the BBC's forecasters also predict that things will be looking up as we move towards next month.

"Forecast confidence into the start of May continues to decrease as increasingly uncertain weather patterns develop," they said.

"The global models anticipate another build-up of high pressure (near the UK/over Scandinavia or an area of high pressure extending from the UK to Scandinavia) and a trough/low pressure over southern/SW Europe.

"Temperatures are likely to be slightly above average, with calmer and drier conditions expected in the north, while the south and south-east may see slightly wetter and windier conditions.

"However, depending on the exact positioning of the area of high pressure, there is a chance that it will become calmer and warmer later on."

Independent forecasters Netweather also predict a wave of sunny warm spells to hit the UK.

"There is a likelihood of more settled weather developing towards the end of April or into early May, probably with increased high pressure to the east and north-east, which has the potential to bring warm southerly and south-easterly winds in as well," they wrote.

"There is some uncertainty over whether this change will set in during the back end of April or be delayed until early May, but there is a fair chance of this period becoming warmer and somewhat less wet relative to normal, especially towards the end of the period.

"Thus, nearer average rainfall and sunshine amounts look probable for this period, probably with temperatures a degree or two above the long-term average, although there is potential for more substantial warmth via southerly winds."

Related links:

UK temperatures set to be ‘hotter than Spain’ this weekend

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