UK weather: Mini heatwave as temperatures forecast to hit 23C

‘If we do get above 24 it will be the highest UK March temperature in 53 years. It seems a reasonable chance that’s going to happen’

Much of the UK will see highs exceed 20C (EPA)

Temperatures are set to soar over the next few days with a mini heatwave and highs of up to 23C affecting most of the UK.

Tuesday will see clear skies and sunshine for much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland although the far north and northwest of Scotland will experience rain.

There are Met Office yellow weather warnings in place for rain in place in northwestern Scotland until 9am Wednesday. 

However, further south will feel much warmer temperatures with many places “in excess of 20 degrees,” according to the Met Office’s Aidan McGivern, while top temperatures of 23C or even 24C look set to be felt in the capital.

Warmer air which has made its way north from Europe, will mean Tuesday night feels mild, with temperatures hovering at around 9C.

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This warm spell will continue on into Tuesday for England and Wales. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland look set to be wetter as the rain spreads southwards.

The period of warm weather doesn’t quite constitute a heatwave, which according to the Met Office, requires “a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.”

This temperature threashold varies across the country, but starts at a minimum temperature of 25C in southwest and northern England, part of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland with a minimum of 28C required in London to be able to use the term.

Temperatures will plummet in the north as the wind changes, and by Wednesday afternoon, there will be a 10 degree split between northern and southern parts of the UK. There may even be some snow on the mountain tops in Scotland.

(PA)

Records show that temperatures in March have not exceeded 24C (75.2F) since 29 March, 1968, when 25.6C (78F) was recorded in Cambridgeshire.

Met Office meteorologist, Steven Keates, said: “If we do get above 24 it will be the highest UK March temperature in 53 years. It seems a reasonable chance that’s going to happen.”

This comes as lockdown was eased in England on Monday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that people should continue“proceed with caution.”