A fresh wave of warm weather is set to grip Britain this weekend, prompting alerts from both meteorologists and emergency services.
The Met Office has cautioned that temperatures will climb once more, bringing sunshine across much of the country. While London anticipates reaching highs of 22C (71.6F), other areas—including the southeast, Midlands, Yorkshire, and northeast England—are expected to see temperatures around 20C (68F) throughout the afternoon.
Alongside the pleasant conditions comes a warning for hay fever sufferers. Pollen levels are predicted to be exceptionally high nationwide, potentially triggering uncomfortable symptoms like itchy eyes and sore throats.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is urging caution due to heightened wildfire risk. Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall stated:
“The current risk of wildfires in London is elevated, and this danger intensifies with each day without rainfall.”
This spell of good weather follows an exceptionally sunny March, marking the warmest on record since data collection began.
The hottest day so far this year occurred earlier this month, April 4th, when Otterbourne, Hampshire, registered a temperature of 23.7C (74.7F).
In response to these conditions, the LFB is advising city residents to take preventative measures against accidental fires, including:
- Avoiding barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, even disposable ones
- Properly disposing of rubbish and cigarette butts
Pollen counts are widespread:
- England and Wales: “Very High”
- Northern Ireland & Most of Scotland: “High”
- The Highlands, Orkney & Shetland Islands: “Medium”
Statistics suggest that roughly one in five Britons experience pollen allergies each spring and summer.
Fortunately, a shift is on the horizon. Cooler temperatures are expected to arrive this evening accompanied by showers moving in from the west.
The Met Office’s forecast for the remainder of the day indicates:
“Eastern areas will retain the most prolonged sunshine, while cloud cover builds from the west with associated showers and potentially thundery spells. Conditions will become increasingly cloudy and unsettled as outbreaks of rain spread eastward, with some heavier bursts at times. The southeast will be milder than previous nights; the northwest will experience cooler conditions.”
