As the vibrant month of April unfolds in the UK, residents have experienced a delightful streak of dry, sunny, and warm weather. However, this embrace of favorable conditions is expected to transition as the weekend approaches. Elizabeth Rizzini, the Lead Weather Presenter, emphasizes that while temperatures soared above the average for this time of year, significant changes are on the horizon.
Throughout the week, temperatures across the UK exceeded expectations, with parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland recording remarkable highs. Notably, Aboyne reached 23°C (73°F), marking it as the warmest day of the year thus far. Similarly, Castlederg in Northern Ireland recorded 22°C (72°F). In a broader sense, the warmth flowed southward on Friday, granting Wales its joint highest temperature of the year, coming in at 22.4°C (72.3°F) in Usk, Monmouthshire.
A distinct characteristic of this period has been the unusually wide temperature swings from day to night—often referred to as the diurnal range. In locations such as Aboyne, the difference reached an impressive 26°C. While substantial diurnal ranges are commonplace during spring, the persistently dry and sunny conditions have been notably uncommon. Many areas in southern England have seen a lack of measurable rainfall since March 23, contributing to concerns about dry ground.
April has been exceptionally sunny; indeed, the first ten days of the month displayed over 100 hours of sunshine in many regions, with some locales exceeding 80-85% of the monthly sunshine average. This trend follows a record-breaking March, noted as the sunniest on record for England and the third sunniest for the UK since records began in 1910.
The recent stretch of weather can primarily be attributed to dominating high-pressure systems, which have kept conditions dry and settled. These systems have effectively obstructed incoming weather fronts from the west, causing the jet stream—responsible for transporting wind and rain—to remain largely stagnant towards the north of the UK. As a consequence, low-pressure systems were directed towards regions such as the Canary Islands and Iberia, where stormy weather prevailed.
However, this weekend heralds a significant shift. The prevailing high-pressure system will start to drift eastward, paving the way for weather fronts approaching from the west. By Saturday morning, cloud cover is expected to extend, accompanied by light rain beginning in the far southwest of England and then advancing northeastward across Wales, Northern Ireland, and into northwestern England through the afternoon. Although initially sunny, the western sections of the UK will experience an increase in cloudiness, while areas in the southeast may still bask in warmth, potentially hitting highs of 22°C once more.
As Saturday evening approaches, the forecast predicts that the cloud and rain will continue their eastward journey, leading to a Sunday characterized by residual cloud, occasional sunny intervals, and scattered showers. A noteworthy drop in temperatures is expected, with highs ranging from 11°C to 18°C across the country. This change signals a return to more typical April weather, moving away from the recent idyllic conditions to a climate marked by fresh southerly winds and much-needed rainfall for the currently parched land.
Looking ahead to the next week, meteorologists warn that the return to more unsettled conditions could affect planned outdoor activities, especially for families hoping for sun-filled Easter egg hunts. Instead, temperatures in the low to mid-teens Celsius may become more commonplace, accompanied by continuous spells of showers and rain.
As residents brace for this anticipated weather transformation, they are encouraged to stay informed through local forecasts or the BBC Weather app, ensuring preparedness for the shifting conditions that typically define the British climate in spring.