The temperature in southern England could hit 27C (81F) later this week making it the highest temperature recorded in April since 2018.

Warmth and sunshine will develop widely across most areas of the UK as high pressure gradually builds.

The week begins with temperatures across England already hitting 19-24C.  However, as sunny skies develop more widely, the combination of strong sunshine and light winds will help temperatures to peak on either Wednesday or Thursday, and be the highest of the year so far.  27C is the expected high in England.

Is this a heatwave?

Whilst the upcoming spell of warmth is significant, with a number of areas seeing temperatures 10 degrees above what would normally be expected, it is not technically going to be a heatwave in meteorological terms. 

For this, there needs to be at least three consecutive days at or above the “heatwave threshold” which varies depending on where you are in the UK.

How unsual is the warmth?

While this will be the warmest weather of the year so far and the warmest since early September, April can bring big swings in temperature and it is not unusual to see this type of hot spell during spring. 

As the UK climate continues to warm though, it is likely that this type of spring heat will occur more often. Recent analysis found that spring is the fastest-warming season in the United Kingdom.

How long will it last?

Later in the week, as high pressure gradually diminishes a shift in wind direction to the north or north-west will bring cooler air southwards for the start of the Bank Holiday weekend.

However, while temperatures will drop for all, they will still remain at or above average for the time of the year. 

Grab your last minute spring stay in Rocky Valley now to take advantage of this amazing weather.