Warmest Weather of the Year Expected This Week
The UK is forecast to experience the warmest weather of the year so far later this week.
Temperatures are expected to rise widely into the high teens and low twenties over the next few days, with a peak of 24C (75.2F) anticipated in south-east England.
Alongside the warmer temperatures, much of the UK will enjoy dry and sunny conditions.
However, by Thursday, colder air will move in from the north-west, bringing temperatures back to around the average for this time of year.
Temperatures on Tuesday and Wednesday Set to Rise Well Above Average for Early April
Brisk south-easterly winds developing on Tuesday and Wednesday will draw much warmer air from the European continent.
Temperatures during these days will be approximately 6 to 10C above the average for early April.
On Tuesday, temperatures will climb into the high teens and low twenties across most regions.
In the south Midlands and along the west coast of Wales, temperatures are likely to reach 22C, marking the warmest day of the year so far.
The previous highest temperature this year was 20.9C, recorded on 31 March at Pershore, Worcestershire.
Tuesday will be predominantly sunny, especially across England and Wales, although cloud cover will increase in Northern Ireland and western Scotland, accompanied by a few showers.
By Wednesday, temperatures are expected to rise further to 23C, potentially reaching 24C in south-east England.
With continued sunshine, temperatures across England and Wales will remain in the low twenties, resembling a typical summer day for most.
However, conditions will become cooler in western Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Irish Sea coasts, with increased cloud and rain developing later in the afternoon.
Cooler Weather Expected Later This Week
A shift in weather patterns on Thursday will replace the warmer south-easterly winds with cooler north-westerly winds.
As a result, temperatures will noticeably decrease to around 10 to 14C across most areas.
Despite the cooler trend, eastern and south-eastern England will still experience temperatures around 17C on Thursday.
These temperatures are more typical for this time of year.
Thursday will also bring a spell of rain spreading southeastward across the UK, clearing away from the south-east later in the day.
High pressure will return on Friday, bringing a mostly dry and bright day.
Sunrise and Sunset May Become More Colourful Due to Saharan Dust
Heat will also build across western Europe this week, with temperatures rising well above average.
In France, some locations could approach 30C, while northern Spain and western Germany are expected to reach the high twenties.
These temperatures represent an increase of approximately 8 to 12C above the average for early April.
Forecasts indicate that dust lifted from North Africa could be transported high into the atmosphere across western Europe this week.
This increased dust is also likely to spread into parts of the UK from late Tuesday onwards.
When dust particles are suspended high in the atmosphere, they can enhance the colours of sunrises and sunsets.
Additional Information
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- How the UV index works and why it matters
