Temperatures across up to 26 counties in the UK could reach 20C or higher later this month, according to the latest ECMWF weather forecasting maps. Some areas, particularly in the south-east of England and along the south coast, may see the mercury climb as high as 23C on April 29.
Warm conditions are also expected in East Anglia, the Midlands, and parts of Wales. Further north, the model points to highs of 18C in Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, and 16C in the Scottish Highlands.
However, the Met Office has cautioned that parts of the country could experience cold air and wintry showers. Its outlook for April 22 to May 1 suggests a fair amount of dry weather overall, but with Atlantic frontal zones possibly bringing rain and breezy conditions to the southwest early in the period.
The latter part of April may see cold air sweep south across much or all of the UK for a time, bringing potential for wintry showers in the north and east, as well as widespread overnight frost. Any cold spell is expected to be short-lived before milder conditions return.
Looking ahead to May, the Met Office outlook from May 2 to 18 indicates slowly evolving weather patterns, with high pressure likely to the north or northwest and low pressure closer to southern areas. Northern and western parts would likely be drier, while southern and possibly eastern areas may see more rain or showers. Temperatures are expected to be close to or a little above average, though late season frost remains possible, especially in the north.
