UK weather: Today is going to be the hottest day of the year
But don't let your BBQ run over into the evening...
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain could bask in the hottest day of the year as temperatures soar to up to 19C.
Forecasters have predicted that parts of the UK could be hotter than Barcelona and Ibiza on Sunday as warm air and sunshine sweep north from the continent.
It marks a welcome turnaround from the turbulent weather Storm Katie brought over Easter weekend.
Temperatures peaked at 15.8C (60.4F) in Holbeach, Lincolnshire, on Saturday, and are expected to rise to between 18C (64.4F) or 19C (66.2F) in the South East.
But those hoping to dust off the barbecues could end up with soggy sausages, as forecasters predicted showers, particularly in northern and eastern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Sophie Yeomans, from the Met Office, said average temperatures for early April were normally around 11C (51.8F) or 12C (53.6F), while this year's highest recorded temperature was 18.7C (65.6F) in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, in March.
"If we reach 19C that would make it the hottest day of the year," she said.
"But it's a bit of a mixed bag - in Scotland and Northern Ireland and further north, there is some rain around for most of the day. In Scotland and in the North, it will be fairly chilly and highs will only reach 11C.
"Further south, in England and Wales, it's mainly going to be sunny spells and patchy cloud. Western areas might just see some showers in the evening that will be quite heavy.
"The best of the weather is going to be in the South East."
The warmer climate is due to tropical continental air being brought into the UK through a change in wind direction.
But it will not last, with the Met Office warning that early next week will become "fairly unsettled" with heavy showers. Temperatures could still reach 17C (62.6F) in places.
Bookmakers were predicting the hottest day of the year this weekend, but seem sceptical that this April will be the hottest on record, only offering odds of 100/1.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments