After Coral Bookmakers offered odds of 5/2 on April being the hottest ever in UK history, the Met Office has offered its own take on whether or not Brits are in for a roasting
The Met Office has responded to claims that next month could be the hottest April in UK history.
Leading bookmaker Coral slashed their odds in half to 2/1 on this Easter being the hottest on record and 5/2 on next month being a record-hot April, however the Met Office has said there is no evidence that this will be the case. A spokesperson for the weather agency said it is possible there will be a mix of “cool and warm spells” in April but it’s still early to say whether temperatures will be above average.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “I’m afraid it’s simply too early to give a forecast for the whole of April. Main long-range models show that near-average conditions are signalled, with a typical mix of warm and cool spells, with rain and showers at times.”
Currently, the long-range forecast from Sunday, March 30 to Sunday, April 13 says: “Confidence is low, but blocked patterns are most probable for the first half of April. This can lead to slow-moving areas of low and high pressure and depending on their location can result in extended periods of either dry conditions or, perhaps more likely, wetter episodes in the form of rain or showers.
“Either way, whilst temperatures overall may be near average, given the time of year this type of regime tends to increase the chance of periods of below average temperatures at times.” Last year, April was the sixth wettest on record since 1836, with 55 per cent more rainfall than an average April, and an average mean temperature of 8.3C.
Towards the end of March, the Met Office expects some unsettled conditions. The long-range forecast from Thursday, March 20 to Saturday, March 29 reads: “Fine and dry across the majority of the UK at the start of this period, although a few showers could affect the far north and far south on Thursday.
“By Friday and into the weekend, there is an increasing likelihood that rain or showers will spread from the south or west with most parts of the UK probably seeing some showers or longer spells of rain at times, perhaps accompanied by strong winds. Some heavy rain may develop, particularly in the west.
“Into the following week, unsettled conditions will probably continue across many parts of the UK. Some heavy rain or showers are possible at times, these most likely across southern areas. Temperatures will be above normal at first, probably falling back closer to average later.”
This Evening and Tonight:
Many places dry, with clear spells and light winds. Clearest skies towards southern parts of the UK where frost is likely to develop. Mist and fog patches are also possible under prolonged clear spells.
Sunday:
A bright start, with some cloud developing through the day. A few light showers are possible, mainly in the northeast. Feeling pleasant in the sunny spells.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Cloudy for many on Monday, with showers focused towards the south and west. Dry and sunny on Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight frost and fog continuing. Turning warmer by Wednesday.
