Forecasts indicate that certain regions of the UK are set to experience some of the warmest temperatures of the year following the aftermath of Storm Dave, which resulted in significant damage and disruption during the Easter weekend.
According to meteorologists, London and southeastern England may see temperatures peak at 21°C to 22°C on Tuesday, potentially rising to 24°C by Wednesday. In contrast, Manchester is expected to reach around 20°C as a brief spell of stable weather replaces the heavy rains and strong winds, which reached speeds of 70 mph, that impacted areas across northern England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
However, a significant shift is anticipated on Thursday, with temperatures expected to fall to a range of 10°C to 14°C.
Wednesday is predicted to be predominantly dry, characterized by warm sunshine, before a cooler trend begins on Thursday, accompanied by chances of showers or extended periods of rain, along with very windy conditions in the northwest by Friday, as reported by the Met Office.
A representative from the Met Office stated, “With Storm Dave now behind us and high pressure building, we are pulling in warmer air from the continent. This time of year can see rapid changes in weather from day to day.” They further explained, “Currently, we are benefiting from a warm southerly wind which should elevate temperatures into the mid-20s.”
During the weekend, temperatures are projected to stabilize around 10°C in northern regions and 14°C in the south.
The arrival of this week’s warmer weather was earlier than initially anticipated, according to the Met Office; however, such high temperatures are not uncommon for this time of year.
The warmest days recorded this year thus far were 20.9°C in Gogerddan, close to Aberystwyth, on March 18, and in Pershore, Worcestershire, on March 31. Notably, the UK experienced highs of 25°C in early April during both 2011 and 2020.
Storm Dave brought heavy snow and fierce winds over the Easter weekend, leading to travel disruptions and power outages across northern parts of the UK. Wind gusts reached 93 mph at Capel Curig in north Wales, with 75 mph recorded in Emley Moor, West Yorkshire, and St Bees Head, Cumbria, along with 73 mph at Buchan, Aberdeenshire, according to the Met Office.
