Temperatures in the UK are set to drop sharply, with some areas experiencing lows of 2°C, following a brief warm spell. Forecasters warn of a stark contrast after recent balmy conditions, as the mercury plunges in parts of Scotland and northern England.
According to the Met Office, the Scottish Highlands recorded temperatures around 1°C earlier this week, and similar lows are expected in North Yorkshire and County Durham by Thursday. Meanwhile, southern and western regions will enjoy brighter weather this weekend, with highs of 16-17°C.
However, a rapid warm-up is forecast for early next week, with temperatures rising nearly 20°C in some areas within four days. Maps from InMeteo show West Dunbartonshire and Stirling could reach 17°C by Wednesday, up from 3°C on Saturday. Most of the UK will see above-average April temperatures, with the Northwest of England, including Merseyside, hitting around 15°C.
Despite the rise, the Met Office says this will not constitute a heatwave. Spokesman Oli Claydon explained that a meteorological heatwave requires three consecutive days of at least 28°C in southern England or 25°C in Scotland, conditions more likely in late May or June. “It could be May into June that we meet the heatwave threshold,” he said.
The unsettled weather follows a period of warmth that saw beaches busy in Wales and bluebells blooming in London parks. The Met Office advises that high pressure will return this weekend, bringing a welcome change after recent showers.
