The UK's brief but record-breaking spring warm spell is set to give way to rain and gales as cooler air arrives from the Atlantic. After two days of unseasonably high temperatures, forecasters warn of a sharp drop, with some areas experiencing freezing conditions, strong winds, and even snow over high ground in Scotland.
On Wednesday, the UK recorded one of its warmest April days on record, with 26.6°C (79.9°F) at Kew Gardens in southwest London. This was the hottest day of 2026 so far and the second-hottest day ever recorded in the first half of April. The previous day, Tuesday, saw the warmest 7 April on record at Mona on Anglesey, Wales, reaching 24.8°C, surpassing temperatures in holiday destinations like Ibiza and Rome.
However, Met Office forecaster Ben Rich said cool westerly winds will sweep away the warmth. On Thursday, parts of southeast England may still reach 22°C, but other areas will drop to around or below the seasonal norm of 10-14°C. Rain will affect many areas over the coming days, with gales in places and a chance of snow over the highest Scottish mountains, potentially with hail and thunder.
Thursday night could see temperatures below freezing, especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland. On Friday, Northern Ireland will experience heavy rain, with wind gusts of 50-70mph hitting some coasts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland. Over the weekend, gales are possible in northern and western parts, while rain will fall in most areas at times, but with dry and bright spells, particularly in the south and east.
Rich noted that this week's temperatures were more than 10°C above the seasonal average in some places, driven by southerly winds from continental Europe. He added that climate change may have amplified the warmth. After a cool start to next week, temperatures are expected to rise slightly.
