UK Set to Experience Another African Plume and Heatwave as April Wraps Up

The UK is set to experience another surge in temperatures with the arrival of a second African plume before the end of April, promising a mini-heatwave that could see temperatures climb as the month closes. Weather experts from WX Charts have highlighted the eastern and southeastern regions, including London, Hampshire, Norfolk, Somerset, and parts of Cornwall and Devon, where temperatures are expected to reach the mid-teens. In Birmingham and the Midlands, residents can also anticipate similar warm conditions.

James Madden from Exacta Weather predicts a notable shift towards much warmer and potentially hot conditions as April progresses into its second half. “A pattern change is in the offing to something much more settled and warmer, even hot conditions for later in the month,” Madden explained.

Meanwhile, the Met Office’s forecast from April 17 onwards suggests that the start of this period will bring winds from the north or northwest, with possible showers or longer spells of rain, particularly across the north and northwest. However, much of the south and southeast might stay mainly dry despite these predictions.

As we approach late April, the outlook until April 26 indicates that temperatures are expected to be mostly below normal initially. However, a build-up of pressure is likely to bring drier weather across the UK. “Through the latter part of this period, a build of pressure will probably occur, meaning more in the way of dry weather across the UK as a whole,” the Met Office noted. While occasional rain could still occur, particularly in the northwest, temperatures are forecasted to return to closer to normal, with some areas possibly experiencing slightly above-average warmth.

This upcoming warm spell, driven by the African plume, contrasts with WX Charts’ daily projections that use Met Desk data, suggesting that even with this heat influx, the northern regions of the UK, including the North West, North East, and Scotland, will not experience significant increases in temperature. This forecast offers a brief respite from the usual cooler conditions and a chance to enjoy some early warmth as the season transitions.