THE UK is set for a hot Easter as the weekend could see hottest day of the year as temperatures rise – with Sahara dust sunsets.
It's expected to warm up from Thursday and the long weekend could bring the hottest day of the year so far. This will beat the weather 20.8C (69.4F) recorded on 23 March.
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said: “This week is going to be much warmer than last week, with temperatures fairly widely above average."
She added: “The London region is where we’re likely to see those higher temperatures, through Thursday and Friday. On the weekend temperatures will remain in the high teens or low 20s in places.
“It will be mixed and not everywhere will see the warmest temperatures. We should expect dry and bright weather.”
And, according to Sky News meteorologist Chris England, the dust blown in from the Sahara could also make for some spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
"A southerly flow and generally light winds this week mean it will be turning warmer, with temperatures of over 20C possible in places from Thursday," Sky's forecaster said.
Read our UK weather blog below for the latest forecasts and updates.
- Milica Cosic
Spring could finally be here!
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth has said that despite the heat, the North West will also experience some lingering cloud, making eastern areas the best destination for sun-seekers over the weekend.
She said: "If people are travelling for sunshine, then further eastern areas are more likely to see that brighter weather.
"I think in the main for the bank holiday weekend, we'll see temperatures quite widely above average across the UK and hopefully they could be very warm in the South East in particular.
"Warmer than average certainly, but nowhere near heatwave criteria.
"It will definitely be warmer than the week we've just had and last week."
- Milica Cosic
Easter to bring hottest temperatures of year so far
EASTER weekend is set to bring the hottest temperatures of the year so far with a 22C scorcher, forecasters have said.
Warm weather is set to continue throughout the week, with dry conditions expected for most of the country ahead of the bank holiday.
The warmest temperature of the year so far has been 20.8C, meaning the highs predicted for the South East on the weekend would set a new record for 2022.
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth has said: "We'll see temperatures generally come up through the week. Today (Monday) we're seeing highs of 18, then from Thursday onwards temperatures could reach 20, 21, quite possibly 22.
"Across southern and eastern areas we're more likely to see some sunshine and clearer skies in the afternoon."
Rising temperatures this week are expected to be driven by a “Saharan” blast of hot air coming from the south as the long Easter weekend approaches.
The UK will see temperatures rise thanks to a Saharan blast of hot airCredit: WX Charts - Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Find out what the Met Office is saying about the weather near you over Easter weekend
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Temperatures in the capital to reach 20C this week
Saturday is set to be the hottest day of the year so far.
After a few cloudy days and some showers, there is warmth and cause for ice creams around the corner.
Right in time for Easter weekend, if you’re in London this weekend, you’re in luck – Saturday and Sunday should be about 20C with Sunday being the drier of the two days.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
As it gets sunnier, make sure you protect yourself from UV
We can’t see UV but it can be very dangerous.
We hear often about protecting our skin but our eyes are actually 10 times more sensitive than our skin.
Sunglasses are the best way to protect our eyes from UV damage.
Wraparound glasses are the best type as they block out the light. Besides that, it’s best to wear glasses between 11am and 3pm.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
As the day draws on, the rain is moving north
The southwest will experience mainly dry spells throughout the rest of today.
The showery rain in the southwest from this morning is clearing and moving northwards across many other western and northern areas.
It’ll be mostly dry with some sunny spells elsewhere, especially southern and eastern England. Windy but warmer.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
The hot weather is right around the corner but there are ways to stay cool in the heat
It’s great when it’s hot, but when it’s too hot it can be uncomfortable
In England there is an average 2000 heat-related deaths each year.
Older people, and particularly those with underlying health conditions are at more risk due to heat.
The main problem is a lack of water. Dehydration can be very dangerous.
Overheating can cause breathing issues, particularly for those who already have a problem with their breathing.
And heatstroke or heat exhaustion can cause fainting and other issues.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
The rest of the week is looking mostly dry
Some sunshine throughout the rest of the week.
Dry for most from Wednesday onwards, some sunshine, but low cloud often around coasts.
Cloudier with occasional rain in the northwest.
Continuing warm.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Dealing with hay fever? Climate change might affect it
One of the main things to consider is increased rainfall.
Increased rainfall may make pollen season lengthen, causing pollen concentration to increase.
There may also be a change in the distribution of allergenic plants. These plants produce more pollen which would also increase the pollen concentration in the air.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Stay in the know about the rainfall in your area
The Met Office tool shows almost live rainfall across the UK.
The map shows rainfall radar at five minute intervals.
Find out here where and when rain might fall where you are.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
What does it mean when they talk about high and low pressure?
The type of pressure can cause different weather at different times of the year.
High and low pressure systems have a direct impact on the weather we experience in the UK.
In Summer, high pressure tends to bring about the bright, warm days we look forward to.
In the Winter, high pressure instead brings dry, cold, frosty days.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Next week looks set to be another week of ups and downs
The last few weeks have had days with all the weathers it seems, and next week appears to be no different.
Starting off with mist and fog, there’ll be mainly fine days throughout the South and eastern areas with light winds.
For the rest of the time, there will likely be rain and clouds, with bursts of sunshine and heavier winds.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Drier weather expected as the month goes on
Higher pressure as we leave Spring and enter Summer is on its way
Dry, warm weather is on the horizon, particularly in the South though overnight frosts are to be expected.
Longer spells of dry, settled weather can be looked forward to.
- Louis Allwood
Manchester forecast tonight
A largely dry evening with some clear intervals to begin.
Turning cloudier into the night with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, arriving towards dawn.
A mild night with breezy winds easing with minimum temperatures of 6 °C.
- Louis Allwood
'Further eastern areas more likely to see brighter weather'
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said despite the heat, the North West will also experience some lingering cloud, making eastern areas the best destination for sun-seekers over the weekend.
She said: "If people are travelling for sunshine, then further eastern areas are more likely to see that brighter weather.
"I think in the main for the bank holiday weekend, we'll see temperatures quite widely above average across the UK and hopefully they could be very warm in the South East in particular.
"Warmer than average certainly, but nowhere near heatwave criteria.
"It will definitely be warmer than the week we've just had and last week."
- Louis Allwood
UK forecast for tomorrow
Cloud and showery rain affecting many areas, with a chance of thunder by afternoon.
Some bright warm spells across parts of the south. Chilly, grey and damp for the northeast.
- Louis Allwood
'Increasingly warm' in London
From Wednesday to Friday Londoners will notice it becoming Increasingly warm.
There will be sunny spells Wednesday with cloudier periods and scattered showers.
Thursday and Friday largely dry and bright but there will be the odd morning mist and fog patches likely, slower to clear around coasts.
- Louis Allwood
London forecast for tonight
A dry but increasingly cloudy evening with an area of rain, perhaps heavy, will arrive in the south around midnight and push northwards.
Winds easing away from eastern coasts with minimum temperatures of 8 °C.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Not the same weather for all today
Showers for some and cloudy for many across the country.
Today's been warmer and sunnier in many areas than it has been in others.
Thunder may be on the cards for southern and central England and Wales.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Find out what the Met Office is saying about the weather near you over Easter weekend
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Temperatures in the capital to reach 20C this week
Saturday is set to be the hottest day of the year so far.
After a few cloudy days and some showers, there is warmth and cause for ice creams around the corner.
Right in time for Easter weekend, if you're in London this weekend, you're in luck – Saturday and Sunday should be about 20C with Sunday being the drier of the two days.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Drier weather expected as the month goes on
Higher pressure as we leave Spring and enter Summer is on its way
Dry, warm weather is on the horizon, particularly in the South though overnight frosts are to be expected.
Longer spells of dry, settled weather can be looked forward to.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Next week looks set to be another week of ups and downs
The last few weeks have had days with all the weathers it seems, and next week appears to be no different.
Starting off with mist and fog, there'll be mainly fine days throughout the South and eastern areas with light winds.
For the rest of the time, there will likely be rain and clouds, with bursts of sunshine and heavier winds.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
What does it mean when they talk about high and low pressure?
The type of pressure can cause different weather at different times of the year.
High and low pressure systems have a direct impact on the weather we experience in the UK.
In Summer, high pressure tends to bring about the bright, warm days we look forward to.
In the Winter, high pressure instead brings dry, cold, frosty days.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
The hot weather is right around the corner but there are ways to stay cool in the heat
It's great when it's hot, but when it's too hot it can be uncomfortable
In England there is an average 2000 heat-related deaths each year.
Older people, and particularly those with underlying health conditions are at more risk due to heat.
The main problem is a lack of water. Dehydration can be very dangerous.
Overheating can cause breathing issues, particularly for those who already have a problem with their breathing.
And heatstroke or heat exhaustion can cause fainting and other issues.
Source: Read Full Article
