A striking shift in weather has swept across Britain today, marked by an astonishing 26-degree temperature increase within just eight hours.
The Met Office characterized this rapid change as a remarkable event, coinciding with sunshine across much of the United Kingdom. Following a cool morning, temperatures have climbed dramatically, creating conditions reminiscent of summer.
Northern Ireland is currently experiencing the warmest weather, anticipated to reach 21 degrees Celsius around 4pm. Other regions are also enjoying warmer climates:
- Eastern Scotland: Temperatures ranging from 17C to 20C, with Edinburgh reaching 20C and Glasgow remaining at a slightly cooler 15C.
- Northumberland: Areas near Newcastle are experiencing temperatures of 20C.
- Yorkshire: Leeds is hitting 19C, while Hull remains between 17C and 18C.
According to Met Office Chief Meteorologist Andy Page, “Those in coastal areas along the North Sea, who have previously faced lower temperatures and more cloud cover, will begin to feel warmer conditions on Thursday, potentially reaching as high as 23°C in eastern Scotland and northeast England.” He attributed this change to a shift in wind direction from an easterly flow to a westerly one.
These unusually warm temperatures are significantly above the typical seasonal average. Meteorologist Dan Stroud noted that “the average for this time of year is around 13C, so it’s going to be approximately 10C above average on Friday.”
Today’s warmth will see some parts of Britain surpass temperatures in popular destinations; highs could reach 23C, exceeding Barcelona’s 18C and Athens’ 20C.
Friday holds the potential to be the warmest day of the year so far, possibly surpassing the previous record of 23.7C set on April 4th. However, this pleasant spell is expected to be temporary.
The high-pressure system responsible for the current warmth is gradually moving away, leading to a change in weather patterns.
Rain is forecast to arrive first in the northwest of Scotland on Friday, with fresher conditions and showers anticipated across the country by Sunday.
As stated by Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway, “The high pressure that has been responsible for our recent high temperatures gradually shifts away over the weekend, as more of an unsettled regime begins to take charge and introduces more frequent rain and cloud, as well as a drop in temperatures.”
Saturday will begin dry across much of the UK, but showers are expected to develop from the south later. Looking further ahead to mid-April, the Met Office is predicting “a wetter period” with intermittent showers or prolonged spells of rain.
There is a “low risk” of heavier, potentially thundery downpours early in this period.
