Exact date it'll 'finally start to warm up' across the UK as heat blast expected

Forecasters have said it will soon start to 'warm up' across the UK, with temperatures hitting the mid to high 20s. A "little above average" highs and a run of dry weather can be expected later this month.

Summery highs of 21.8C were recorded last Saturday, making it the warmest day of 2024 so far. However the mercury dropped to a chilly -2C in some parts of northern England and Scotland last night, the Mirror reports.

The cooler temperatures were expected to continue until April 20, according to James Madden from Exacta Weather. He said there were signs high pressure and more settled weather would finally begin to take hold, although he warned it was still likely to be on the cool side to begin with.

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The forecaster predicted the final third of April and into early May could see "maximum temperatures ranging in the mid to high 20s, at the very least for the first time this year and over a sustained time period". Meanwhile t he Met Office suggests there will be a "settled" period towards the end of the month, with temperatures around average.

Its long-range forecast for April 22 to May 1 read: "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."

The UK weather agency said this coming weekend would be a clear and dry affair. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: "Don’t expect a heatwave. Temperatures will be close, or a little above average but feeling warm in the sunshine and light winds. The high will also bring with it a good deal of dry weather for most of the country, although some northern and perhaps eastern areas will see a little rain at times.”