Hotter than the Maldives: UK temperatures set to be the warmest in 76 years

The UK is set to bask in sunshine and rising temperatures this week before thunderstorms herald a more unsettled regime for next week.

Why is it getting so warm?

Dominating high pressure is what we have to thank for the sunshine on offer this week - it also gives us the rising temperatures.

Air sinks under high pressure, and the sinking of the air compresses the atmosphere which increases the temperature, combined with plenty of sunshine.

That means that the heat is ‘home-grown’ this week rather than ‘imported’ from elsewhere.

How warm could it get?

Temperatures are expected to climb day on day this week with the peak of the heat expected on Thursday at 29C - although isolated spots could reach 30C which would make it the earliest point in the year the UK has recorded 30C since records began.

Where will be the warmest spots?

Much of England and Wales will see temperatures in the mid to high 20s between Tuesday and Thursday and we can expect temperatures in the low 20s across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The average UK daytime high for April is 15C, so these values are significantly above the seasonal average.

How long will it last?

Warmth will spread across the country in the coming days, peaking on Thursday, before cooler air spreads into the north on Friday.

How about rain?

The lack of rain across much of the UK is starting to be a cause for concern for many gardeners and growers but there is the chance of some rain in the form of heavy showers or thunderstorms developing later on Thursday and into Friday.

Beyond that, temperatures will most likely return back closer to average in the north during Friday with conditions turning more changeable overall. Then there will be some showers or longer spells of rain at times.

What about pollen and UV levels?

Both high or very high across much of the UK over the next few days.

We may still be in spring rather than summer but the sun definitely has some real strength in it, so don't forget the sunscreen and usual hot weather precautions in the coming few days.

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