The UK is forecast to bask in much warmer temperatures this week (Image: Getty)
The Met Office has named the areas of the UK that could see tempratures soar to 19C on Wednesday, and possibly even 20C, in a new weather forecast. Forecasters say a spell of warm and pleasant spring weather is set to develop across much of the country this week, bringing sunny skies and rising temperatures for many.
The heavy rain and blustery winds affecting parts of northern UK on Monday will gradually clear, although conditions will remain changeable. Brighter spells are expected in eastern areas, while rain moves eastwards and becomes lighter and patchier. The warmest conditions are expected to arrive by midweek as high pressure builds, with parts of western England and west Wales tipped to see the highest readings. Meteorologists say the boost in temperatures will be helped by east to south-easterly winds moving over higher ground – a phenomenon known as the Foehn effect – which can cause air to warm as it descends on the other side of hills and mountains.
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Dan Harris, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “Wednesday looks likely to be the warmest day of the week for many, with high pressure dominant.
“The warmest spots are likely to be in parts of west Wales and western England, where under sunny skies,18-19ºC, possibly even 20ºC is on the cards.”
“This is due to the additional boost expected from the passage of east to south-easterly winds over areas of higher ground, known as the Foehn effect.
“There’ll be a big diurnal range this week, which is the difference between the maximum daytime temperature and minimum overnight temperature.
“Thanks to the clear skies during the day, we’ll see some chilly nights after the warmer days with a few places experiencing air frost.”
Warmest areas (18–20C possible)
Western England (including the West Midlands and parts of the South West)
Sheltered areas east of higher ground (due to the Foehn effect)
Also warm but slightly lower highs (15–18C)
London and surrounding counties
Parts of northern England (especially inland)
Met Office charts show temperatures climbing this week (Image: Met Office)
Tuesday is expected to begin cloudy across much of the UK, although skies should brighten through the day across England and Wales, allowing sunny spells to develop.
Temperatures could reach between 15C and 16C in southern and western areas, with an isolated 17C possible.
Further north, thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain are likely to linger across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Despite the spring warmth during daylight hours, forecasters have warned nights could remain chilly due to clear skies, creating a large contrast between daytime highs and overnight lows. Some areas may even see air frost.
Looking ahead, Thursday is expected to stay dry and settled with plenty of sunshine, before temperatures fall back closer to the seasonal average by Friday as conditions turn more changeable again.
The Met Office is urging people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts as the week progresses.