BBC and Met Office verdict amid 2024 'heatwave' reports

Talk of heatwaves has hit the headlines recently - along with conflicting reports that snow is also on the way.

Some outlets are reporting we could see a final wave of winter chills that includes a chance of snow with others claiming the first heatwave of the year is arriving soon, with temperatures climbing beyond the 20s. But in Merseyside the situation appears rather more mild than elsewhere.

BBC Weather meteorologist Gillian Brown said the North West of England can expect a "cool and blustery day" on with winds picking up speeds of around 30mph in places on Thursday, April 18. She did offer a ray of hope that temperatures will soon increase but nothing beyond a high of 13°C in parts of the wider region.

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For there to be a heatwave, the Met Office has previously stated it has to be 25°C or more over at least three days. Upcoming forecasts peak on Sunday April 21, with highs of 12°C which will feel more like 10°C.

The latest report from the weather service for Liverpool read: "Mostly cloudy at first [on Thursday] with outbreaks of rain. Turning drier and clearer from the north overnight with showers. Not as cold as last night and staying frost free. Breezy. Minimum temperature 4 °C.

"A few showers are possible during the morning [Friday]. Otherwise a fairly bright day with broken cloud and sunny intervals, these becoming more prolonged later. Rather windy, especially on the coasts. Maximum temperature 12 °C."

Looking ahead to the weekend, the experts claim it will be "a dry weekend for most with sunny periods on Saturday, then generally cloudier on Sunday". The forecast added: "Isolated showers on Monday with winds easing and feeling a bit warmer, though still chilly overnight."

Their long-range forecast for April 22 to May 1 predicted: "This will generally be a settled period with high pressure close to the UK throughout. Most locations will remain dry, with variable cloud cover. Although some small areas or bands of thicker cloud, hill fog, and patchy light rain or drizzle will float about day to day.

"There will also be a few showers, most likely in the east and south of England. Temperatures will often be around average by day, although with mostly light winds and clear skies it will feel warm in any sunshine. Overnight where cloud breaks allow, frosts are likely in rural areas."

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