BRITAIN is set to bask in the warmest spell of the year so far, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 28°C in some areas this week, according to the Met Office. However, despite the soaring temperatures, forecasters have indicated that conditions are unlikely to meet the official threshold for a heatwave.
The fine weather is set to build steadily, with temperatures expected to reach around 25°C in parts of the country on Monday, before peaking midweek. The Met Office said the warmest days are likely to be Wednesday and Thursday, when some locations could experience highs of 28°C – and there is even a slight chance of reaching 29°C.
Widespread sunshine is forecast across much of the UK, although the northernmost parts of Scotland could see some rainfall.
While the anticipated warmth falls short of the criteria for an official heatwave, the Met Office is predicting “a fine spell of weather” across the country. High pressure continues to dominate, setting the stage for clear skies and rising temperatures.
Here in Wales, the outlook from Tuesday through to Thursday suggests a steady increase in warmth, although conditions are expected to be slightly cooler than those seen in parts of England. Here’s a closer look at the forecast for Wales over the coming days:
Monday:
A warm and sunny start to the week is expected across Wales, with any early morning mist or low cloud clearing quickly. The Met Office predicts widespread blue skies by the afternoon, with temperatures feeling pleasantly warm. The warmest conditions, reaching up to 21°C, are expected around Monmouth and other areas near the English border.
Tuesday:
The fine weather continues, with plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Temperatures will climb further, with Abergavenny and surrounding areas in south-east Wales seeing highs of around 24°C. Meanwhile, the west coast and north coastal areas, including St David’s, Pembroke, and St Asaph, are likely to experience slightly cooler temperatures around 21°C.
Wednesday:
The warmth continues to build, with Monmouth again leading the way at 25°C. Elsewhere, Cardiff, Swansea, mid Wales and Wrexham can expect highs between 22°C and 23°C.
Thursday:
The start of May brings another bright and warm day, with temperatures once again peaking at around 25°C in the east of Wales. Those seeking the best of the sunshine should head towards Monmouth and its surroundings.
Friday:
By Friday, temperatures are expected to ease slightly. Although conditions will be a little cooler, the forecast still suggests pleasant weather across the region.
Speaking about the upcoming warm spell, Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: “We’re certainly on track to see the warmest spell of the year so far. The warm trend has already started now across southern areas. At the moment we’ve got up to 21.5°C in central London and Hull. As we go through the next few days we will see the warm spell continue.”
The warmest day of the year thus far was recorded just last week, on 24 April, when temperatures reached 24°C.
With clear skies and rising temperatures on the cards, it promises to be a delightful week ahead – even if it falls just short of being officially declared a heatwave.
