UK 'hotter than Barcelona' as maps show exact date 'summer returns' with 24C mini-heatwave
It's been a chilly September so far but some parts of the country are set to bask in sunshine this week.
New Met Office predictions have revealed that this week some parts of the UK be warmer than Barcelona.
It’s been a chilly September so far with overnight frosts and a low of minus 2.7C recorded in North Yorkshire last Thursday evening.
But the Met Office has predicted that temperatures will soar to 24C on Thursday this week in some parts of the UK - with temperatures struggling to get above 22C on Wednesday and 23C on on the same day in Barcelona, Spain.
Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said on Sunday: “It’s really just a high pressure dominating Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, meaning there’s a lot of dry, settled weather around.
“The far north/northwest of Scotland might just see a bit of cloud and the odd spot of rain at times. But apart from that, it will be dry and settled.
“By midweek we’re looking at 23 in the South East.”
The Met Office has since upgraded its forecast, predicting highs of 24C in London in the middle of the week and with temperatures dropping no lower than 14C at night.
And it’s not just the south of the country that looks set to heat up - with a top temperature of 23C also predicted for around Fort Augustus in Scotland and 20C around Hull and Scunthorpe on Wednesday.
It’s on Thursday that it’s set to hit 24C around London while other highs include 23C around the Costwolds and 22C around Derby.
Weather expert Jim Dale, senior meteorologist and founder of British Weather Services, agreed that the warmer weather is on the cards.
He told Express.co.uk: “Yep that is going to happen. 25C - 26C - south east UK in a southerly airflow. Meanwhile Barcelona 21C in a cool north western airflow.”
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He added: “Unusual but not unprecedented!”
The Met Office also offers a long range forecast that predicts a mixed bag of weather from Saturday, September 21 until Monday, September 30.
It said: “Settled but often cloudy across many central and northern areas through the weekend, with the best of the sun found to the west of high ground.
“Whereas showers and some thunderstorms are expected by day across the south. Most places away from North Sea coasts will see above average temperatures through the weekend.
“Early next week, the risk of showers and thunderstorms will reduce across the south, with a very short-lived settled spell likely as the transition occurs.
“Following this transition areas of cloud, rain and stronger winds are expected to push in from the west once again, but the focus for this heavy rain is likely to be across the southern half of the UK, with more settled conditions perhaps holding on for the longest in the north.”
