UK weather: Britain could hit 20C in just DAYS as African plume strikes - with 'switch change' to then spark surge in hot temperatures

UK weather: Britain could hit 20C in just DAYS as African plume strikes - with 'switch change' to then spark surge in hot temperatures

The latest weather maps show temperatures are expected to rise next week

WXCHARTS
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 14/03/2024

- 14:49

Forecasters warn that the African plume is still 'unraveling' but temperatures are predicted to rise

The UK could see highs of as much as 20C next week as an African plume looks set to strike Britain.

Forecasters expect a "switch change" in conditions which could bring warmer temperatures as April approaches.


Senior Meteorologist and Social Commentator, Jim Dale told GB News that while a potential African plume is still "unraveling", temperatures are likely to reach 15 to 16C this week with perhaps "an odd 17C" around south east England.

High pressure is predicted to move northwards from Spain at the end of this week.

Forecasters expect a "switch change" in conditions which could bring warmer temperatures as April approaches

Net Weather

Dale said: "It is still unraveling but we will always be at the top end of it all. Nevertheless, even now we could see 15 to 16C, perhaps an odd 17 towards London and the same at times next week.

"I guess 20C may be breached if it all comes together on one of the days."

If temperatures surge to 20C, some areas of Britain could be warmer than cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.

Weather maps show mild air being pulled over the UK from the south and west on Wednesday night and into Thursday.

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Forecasters at the Met Office say it will turn milder throughout this week in the UK.

The weather agency suggests it will be warmest in the Southeast of England and London.

Dale adds that a longer range forecast sees a "switch change" and "more heat" in April.

However, the metrologist also warns that the "spring transition" will need warm conditions will "ebb and flow".

He said: "Longer term I do expect to see a switch change and much more manifested heat as we head through April.

"Meanwhile, end of March looking pretty good for dry and sunshine. However, we are in the spring transition zone so the warmth will ebb and flow, as the rain days tend to become fewer."

Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis echoed Dale as he suggests conditions will turn "milder for all".

He said: "The weather then looks to remain changeable throughout next week too, with spells of rain moving through most areas, but also some drier and sunnier weather.

"But with the wind changing direction from a cool to chilly easterly to milder south or southwesterly through the week, it looks to turn milder for all. We could see temperatures reach the mid-teens later in the new week, more especially towards eastern England in any sunshine.

"However, in reality, the weather may tease us with early hints of spring warmth, but the weather can flip to bring a cruel reminder of winter in early spring – even well into April."

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