Brits in southern areas especially are set to bake in an Indian Summer of high temperatures, with the mercury showing readings in the mid-to-high twenties at points this week
Parts of Britain are set bake in an Indian summer-style heatwave this week with temperatures in some areas hitting the high 20s.
The Met Office is predicting that much of the country will see warm weather over the next couple of days. But the forecasters are also warning that parts of the UK look likely to be hit by heavy rain and strong winds.
The biggest difference appears to be between the south and the north of the country. Northern areas are expected to bare the brunt of the wet and more wintry conditions, while southern parts likely to enjoy a bit more sunshine after what has been a record-breaking summer in terms of temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to be around 24C on Wednesday (23 September), with highs potentially reaching as much as 27C in some parts of the South.
But a cold front is expected to remain across most of the north of England and Scotland, which the Met says will bring with it a mix of cloud and brighter spells, while rain arrives into the northwest Scotland and Northern Ireland from tomorrow.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tony Wisson said: “The forecast becomes more changeable from Wednesday as a series of weather fronts move across the UK. There remains some uncertainty over the exact track of a frontal system on Wednesday which could bring a spell of heavy rain, particularly across eastern and southeastern Scotland, and potentially parts of northern and northeastern England.
“We’re closely monitoring this development and would encourage people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts over the coming days. It’s likely that many southern areas will remain largely dry.
“It’s set to be a notably chilly night on Wednesday into Thursday, with a chance of localised air frost in some rural locations, as cooler air moves in from the northwest.
“Thursday should bring long sunny spells for much of England and Wales, though we’re also monitoring the potential for strong winds to affect the far northwest of the UK. Temperatures in London may reach around 22°C, but another cool night is likely to follow in the south.
“With watchpoints ahead this week, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast as the week goes on.”
The forecast comes after the Met predicted that the weather phenomenon El Nino looks likely to be especially strong this year, bringing with it even more adverse conditions than usual.
Met Office science fellow Dr Nick Dunstone said: “During large El Nino events significantly more heat is released from the ocean to the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global average temperature, particularly in the calendar year following the winter peak of the El Nino.
“Hence, 2027 is very likely to replace 2024 as the warmest year on record and be yet another year to temporarily exceed 1.5C above the pre-industrial period.”