Met Office issues verdict on April heatwave for UK
After the wild weather conditions we experienced at the start of the week, temperatures are set to increase as we head towards the weekend - but will there be the heatwave we’ve all been waiting for?
Meteorologists outside of the Met Office had predicted an imminent weather shift - with April set to end with a springtime heatwave. But with temperatures set to slide below freezing in parts of North Yorkshire and County Durham by Thursday (April 18), the chances of a heatwave are looking slim.
Speaking to The Mirror earlier in the week, Stephen Dixon, a meteorologist with the Met Office, explained there is no chance of a heatwave just yet, and it’s unlikely that temperatures will rise above 20C for the foreseeable future.
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He said: "There is no heatwave by the Met Office's definition. There are signs of more settled weather but temperatures on the weekend will be closer to average for the time of the year, and it won't be a heatwave.”
As far as good news goes, the weather conditions are set to dry up this weekend - which is a relief after the heavy downpours experienced across Yorkshire on Monday, as well as throughout March and February.
Mr Dixon added: "The weather appears to settle down this weekend with a high pressure from the southwest. It means there is little chance of rain as conditions will be settled. It is certainly not a heatwave, though, and the details of the weather at this early stage remain unclear. There is a lot to play out before we can see how that high pressure will impact us.
"But rainfall totals will be lesser, and it has been a very wet year so this is good news for many. It has been so wet because of the influence of low pressure. We have already had 11 named storms so far this year."
Sadly, the wet and windy conditions are set to continue in Yorkshire for the time being. Scroll below to read the Met Office’s forecast for Yorkshire on Wednesday, April 17 and over the weekend, as well as the long-range UK forecast for the end of April.
Wednesday, April 17
Bright but blustery initially, with sharp showers mainly near coasts. Both the showers and the wind should ease later, with increasing sunny spells. Rather cool, especially so in the wind. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Outlook for Thursday, April 18 to Saturday, April 20
Gradually becoming more settled. Thursday starting fine, wetter and windier later. Friday then bright and breezy ahead of some fine weather Saturday. Temperatures recovering generally, although some chilly starts are expected.
Sunday, April 21 to Tuesday, April 30
High pressure should ensure a fine and dry day for most of the UK on Sunday, and in any sunshine and light winds it should feel warm. Perhaps cloudier across some northern and eastern areas where the odd spot of rain or shower is possible, although these should be light.
Into next week the high is likely to withdraw to the west a little, and this will open the door to cooler and less settled conditions, with some rain or showers mainly affecting the north and east, with the best chance of staying dry across western and southern parts. After a brief warmer interlude on Sunday temperatures are likely to trend back toward or a little below average.
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