UK weather forecast: Britain set for heatwave as Met Office forecasts 19C temperatures this week

The UK is set to bask in 19C temperatures this week as forecasters say a heatwave is on the way in April.

The hot weather comes following a chilly weekend which saw the Met Office issue yellow warnings for wind on Saturday and Sunday.

After weeks of cold and wet conditions, the weather should finally start to heat up in the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach up to 19C on Wednesday (16 March), before dipping to a slightly cooler 16C on St Patrick’s Day on Thursday (17 March).

Temperatures are forecast to be well above the 11C average for March, with the 700-mile African heat burst set to send UK temperatures above the expected 15C in Rome.

The Met Office forecasts dry conditions in the south on Monday and Tuesday, followed by sunshine and clear skies for most of the country on Wednesday.

Chillier temperatures could return later in the weekend, but forecasters say more warm weather is on the way ahead of Easter.

Ex-BBC and Met Office forecaster John Hammond of weather trending said: “Spring will be in the air, with a gentle breeze from the warming continent and temperatures rising through the teens.

“Wet weather will give way to sunshine, with a drier and warmer trend through mid-March.”

A Met Office forecaster added: “Monday’s sunny spells in the south will see temperatures a little above average.

“Tuesday will be dry in the south east, with the north west’s rain spreading on Wednesday, but fine and sunny from Thursday for the UK.

“From then to late March has temperatures mild to very mild for most, with dry conditions and the sunniest weather in the south and east, although it may be chilly should winds tap into colder air across eastern Europe.”

Temperatures are expected to soar in April reaching highs of 28C in the coming weeks, as forecasters predict the hot weather will arrive early this year.

What is the forecast for this week?

Monday will see cloud and rain move east across Northern Ireland, much of Scotland and into northern England, with some early fog patches in the south.

This should clear into sunny spells with a few scattered showers, and a few heavier downpours in the far south.

Rain showers are forecast for Monday evening, particularly in the north east and north west of Scotland, and this may give way to some frost and patchy fog.

On Tuesday, rain and strong winds are expected in the north and west of Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Conditions will be mostly fine and dry elsewhere with some hazy sunshine, and a few showers in eastern England.

Wednesday is forecast to bring some outbreaks of rain, but the weather should brighten on Thursday and Friday, remaining fine and dry for most.

Temperatures are predicted to be near to above average and will be mild for most of the country, with the sunniest weather forecast to be in the south and east of the UK.

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