Bring the BBQ’s out, tidy up the garden and dig out the suncream, because Britain is getting some of the hottest days of the year so far.
And even better the hot weather is set to continue into the weekend, reaching up to 22C (72F). Actually warmer than many places in the Mediterranean, including Malta, Barcelona and Athens.
Many Britons are expected to travel to the beach this weekend to take advantage of the glorious sunshine. Usually known for its showers, this year April is seeing way above average temperatures – we usually struggle to get temperatures above 12C (54F).
Following one of the driest March’s on record for more than 100 years, April looks set to follow the trend with increasing temperatures.
Even the normally cool Aberdeen in Scotland will reach around 20C (68F), the same temperature Athens and Barcelona will see over the next few days.
THE FIVE-DAY FORECAST
Today: Starting cloudy, particularly around coastal areas in the south west, but sun will spread north throughout the day with highs of 19C.
Friday: Another very warm day with less cloud than Thursday and temperatures across the country again reaching 19C.
Saturday: Starting cloudy but quickly clearing to bring sun by midday and temperatures reaching 21C, the second highest of the week.
Sunday: Temperatures still warm in central parts but more cloud and showers in parts of Wales. Dry and warm for the rest of the UK, but cooler than previous days.
Source: the Met Office
Lucky for everyone waiting for the weekend, although the temperatures will decrease today and tomorrow, they will be back up reaching 20C (70F) and above on Saturday.
Met Office forecaster Andrew Sibley said: ‘Yesterday was possibly be the warmest day this year, with warm, dry weather and sunny spells across much of England, Wales and eastern Scotland.
‘It warms up again for the weekend, with temperatures in the upper 60s or higher on both Saturday and Sunday.
‘There will be sunny spells and broken clouds, although one or two localised sharp showers late on Saturday.’
Forecaster Brian Gaze, of The Weather Outlook, said: ‘The mostly dry weather should continue into the weekend, which looks promising if you’re planning to have a barbecue.
‘It looks a decent day for the Grand National at Aintree, which should be run under fine and dry skies. With a bit of luck, it will feel more like summer than spring.’
