Janice R. Andrews
The UK is set to experience a dramatic rise in temperatures as a 1,000-mile-wide ‘heat bubble’ from France brings a week of sunshine and warmth. With highs of 18°C (64°F) expected, this will mark the hottest spell of the year so far, surpassing even Mediterranean destinations like Palermo, Italy.
Millions across the country will enjoy up to 10 hours of daily sunshine, a welcome change after months of winter freezes and flooding. From Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to hit 16°C, climbing to 18°C by Thursday and lasting through the weekend. Northern regions will also bask in 16°C warmth, while southern areas will see clear, settled skies.
However, the Met Office warns of gusty winds and showers towards the end of the week, particularly in the North-West. Weather experts, including BBC Weather, highlight a southerly airflow driving the unseasonably warm conditions, with spring-like temperatures well above the seasonal average.
Forecaster Brian Gaze of The Weather Outlook said, “After a dreary February, spring has finally arrived,” while the Met Office’s Marco Petagna described the outlook as “fabulous sunshine.”
This heatwave offers a much-needed respite, but variable conditions are expected to return by the weekend. Stay tuned for updates as the UK enjoys its warmest days of 2024 so far!
