Weather: UK set for 48 hour heatwave this week

The UK will be blasted by 21C heatwave for 48 hours non stop – with several areas set to be affected.A 48-hour heatwave sending temperatures north of the teens and into the twenties is set to hit on Friday and last through to Sunday.

As well as London, Berkshire – in particular Slough – is set to be hit, as well as Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Birmingham in the Midlands, Leicester, Nottingham and more.

Over the weekend, London will see the highest temperatures alongside parts of the Midlands.

The Met Office outlook from April 13 onwards reads: “The ongoing changeable spell of weather is likely to continue. However, by this point the focus for the rain and showers is expected to be across western and northwestern parts of the UK. Here, rain could be heavy and prolonged at times, especially in upland areas.

“Further windy spells of weather are also likely, particularly in the north. Meanwhile, southern and eastern areas are likely to have some decent drier spells of weather with some good sunshine at times. Here, whilst some rain is still likely, this probably less heavy and much less frequent than recent weeks. Near average temperatures are most likely overall, although some cooler interludes are possible at times, especially in the north.”

Helen Caughey is a Met Office Deputy Chief meteorologist. Looking at the prospects for later this week, she said: “The forecast contains a brief, quieter interlude thanks to a ridge of high pressure which becomes established across the country later on Tuesday. This will bring dry conditions for most areas for a time, but also a chance of some overnight frosts for prone locations.

“However, through Wednesday another band of rain pushes in from the west bringing some heavy and persistent rain, especially for higher ground in the west and north, with warnings already issued for parts of western Scotland. This system is accompanied by some strong and gusty winds, especially for coastal locations and across high ground, in the northern half of the country. The best of any drier and brighter conditions are likely across the south and east of the country.”