African plume of hot air coming to UK today will make temperatures soar to 26°C
Brits are set for a 26°C roasting today in what could be the hottest day of the year so far.
After days of yellow warnings for thunderstorms, dry and sunny spells are on the horizon for parts of Europe due to an African plume of hot air.
England and Wales will get a taste of the tropics today, with temperatures remaining in the high teens for the rest of the week – ideal weather for an impromptu BBQ.
Temperatures in Scotland are also expected to reach 20°C, while heavy rain across Northern Ireland is expected to become more widespread across the west and the north, with possible gusty winds and cooler temperatures.
Met Office chief meteorologist Andy Page said: ‘The plume of warm air we have been expecting from the south will bring higher temperatures across the whole country over the week.
‘However, it looks like the effects from the Atlantic lows will prevent sustained high pressure building from the east.
‘This means that while we might see some warm – and in places very warm – days, overall the week will feel more like what we would expect of a warm spell in May, with some heavy showers around, rather than hot summery weather.’
Any rain across Scotland is set to clear tomorrow, with the weather remaining warm in the southeast.
Forecasters said clouds will return in the north-west with stronger winds and patchy rain, while late thunderstorms are possible across south-eastern areas.
But meteorologist Alex Deakin said ‘we are in line for more thunderstorms’ later in the week.
‘There is potential for this warm, humid air to bring further intense downpours across parts of England in particular,’ he said.
‘At the same time, some rain will also arrive in parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
‘Make sure you stay up to date with the forecast because warm and humid air combined with some sunshine can likely spark further thunderstorms this week.’
However, there is the chance that things will settle down when high pressure builds back from the south.
From Thursday through to Saturday, the thundery rain is expected to clear, with most places in the north and west getting a fresh mix of sunshine and showers.
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