'Mini-heatwave' could be quickly followed by a 'white Easter' as arctic cold-front sweeps in

After a mini-heatwave has seen people out enjoying parks and gardens, we could all be housebound once again for Easter weekend as a result of an arctic cold-front.

Just as the relaxation of COVID restrictions come into effect, meaning groups of up to six or from two households can meet up outdoors, the good-turn in the weather brought high temperatures and sunshine to most at the beginning of the week.

But this could prove short-lived as early predictions of gloomy weather from Thursday onwards have been replaced with an even more grim warning of the potential for snow.

High temperatures to start the week

Monday saw highs of 18C, while temperatures are expected to peak today (30 Mar) at around 24C, likely to be the hottest day of the year so far.

While the hottest temperatures will be found in London and areas just north of the capital at the beginning of the week, warm, dry weather will be fairly widespread across the South of England and Wales.

The North of England and Scotland may see some rain this week, but temperatures will still be significantly higher than average, particularly at the beginning of the week.

However, by the end of the Bank Holiday weekend we could well see snow in parts of the North of England and Scotland, thanks to a cold-front from the arctic, according to Netweather.

Met Office forecaster, Greg Dewhurst, said: "Into next week, large swathes of southern England and Wales will be dry with warmer temperatures than expected for this time of year, the average for March being 11C (51.8F) to 12C (53F).

"The mercury could reach a high of around 18C (64.4F) on Monday, with Tuesday seeing highs of 24C (75.2F).

"Much of the UK will remain dry and bright until Wednesday, while parts of Scotland will see some heavy showers."

What will the weather be like around the country?

Inverness won’t see much of the improved weather, with wind and clouds throughout the week and highs of between 6C and 15C at different stages. A yellow weather warning for rain is in effect from Monday to Wednesday.

Hull will see sunshine and a little cloud for the start of the week, with highs of 22C on Tuesday, but a return to more typical temperatures for this time of year from Thursday, though a fairly low chance of rain.

In Cardiff today the weather will be cloudy but warm, with an expected high of around 17C,and rising on Tuesday to 21C, while the rest of the week will see a gradual drop-off in temperatures.

Similarly, Manchester is expecting some cloud-cover but high temperatures today at around 16C, followed by a day of clear sunshine tomorrow.

"A mixed bag for many’

As the week goes on, temperatures around the country will fall from their peak on Tuesday, although to a lesser extent in the South of England.

Mr Dewhurst said: "The weekend should be a mixed bag for many with a big north-south split.

"Southern regions will certainly see the warmer, sunnier conditions with a band of rain moving through Northern Ireland on Saturday afternoon before heading into parts of northern England and Scotland.

"Saturday will certainly be the better of the two days, with Sunday becoming windy and grey for most."