UK weather forecast: 40C Spanish heatwave 'heading for Britain' with temperatures to surge in May

He said: “A big heatwave on the way in Spain and it will certainly pick up in the UK.

“But models may also be slow to fully catch on.

“I think we will get a taste of the heat into May but it could easily be fickle and disappear as fast as it arrives.

“Nevertheless, the first real taste of proper warmth for sure but the depth and length are as yet to be determined."

Speaking to the Express, he added: “My best estimate is about 23C to 24C in south east England in early May.”

Dale’s optimism does not appear to have been shared with other weather experts.

Temperatures across the UK are not expected to exceed 18C by the end of the month, WX Charts has claimed.

It also forecast mercury to hover around the low teens in early May.

Spain will in contrast see temperatures soar beyond 30C in places for another week.

The warning comes after a period of mild and wet weather across the United Kingdom.

The Met Office does not appear to expect a drastic change in temperatures in the coming days.

Looking ahead to early May, the UK’s national weather service said: “On Monday, possibly thicker cloud with more persistent rain across the far north, clearing east through the day.

“Again, low cloud across many parts at first breaking up to showers, possibly heavy and thundery.

“The focus may shift to eastern parts with the south and southwest staying fine and dry.

“Temperatures still mostly above average, but feeling cooler in the far north and northeast. Later, high pressure is expected to lie to the east of the UK.

“This likely to bring settled conditions at first, with plenty of warm, dry weather.

“Frontal zones may bring some rain and low cloud especially in the west, but their remnants are more likely to become a focus for showers as they spread across the country. Some of these potentially heavy and thundery.”