UK weather: Dramatic split will see parts as hot as Ibiza TODAY while others brace for washout sparking rush-hour chaos
PARTS of Britain will be as hot as Ibiza today – while others are being warned to brace for a washout.
The mercury will hit as warm as 19C in Leeds, but in the southeast temperatures will be significantly cooler.
Latest forecasts say the southwest of England and southern Wales will be hit with downpours over the next 24 hours.
But temperatures are set to soar in the south of England later in the week.
Senior meteorologist at the Met Office Amy Bokota said: “Temperatures have been below average for the last couple of weeks, so certainly by the time we get to Wednesday, and probably into next weekend, temperatures will be warmer.
“It might not be the sort of glorious sort of heatwave that we’re hoping for … but there probably will be some more pleasant and warmer weather for some people as we head towards the end of the week.”
So far this month, the maximum temperature recorded has been 21.8C in Writtle, Essex, on April 13 with a low of minus 6.3C recorded in Shap, Cumbria, on April 26 and a UK-wide average of 8.4C, according to the Met Office.
Grey skies and wet weather meant April may have felt unusually cold despite temperatures being higher than average for the time of year, the organisation said.
It comes as Britain faces early May Bank Holiday travel chaos with 16million cars set to clog roads on “Frantic Friday” and rail strikes.
The sunny spells after a wet week will make jams even worse, as millions dash for day trips to fairs and coasts.
Friday is set for a tea-time meltdown as a holidaymakers’ rush clashes with office workers and after-school traffic.
Around 16million drivers are expected on roads that day, data trends show.
FIVE DAY FORECAST
Today:
Dry and bright in central and eastern areas today with brisk winds. Feeling pleasant in any sunshine. Cloudier in the west with outbreaks of rain and strong winds, feeling cold. Sunny spells and scattered showers moving into Northern Ireland later.
Tonight:
Rain will gradually ease tonight. Dry for many with clear spells. Winds will ease and mist and fog patches will form in parts of the south and east.
Wednesday:
Largely cloudy, perhaps with some fog lingering near eastern coasts. Heavy showers in the east will gradually move westwards across the UK. Feeling warm in any brighter spells.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Largely cloudy, although some brighter spells likely too. Showery rain will move up from the south, bringing a risk of thunderstorms and hail at times. Feeling warm for many.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “It’s looking like a Frantic Friday, with getaway, school and commuter traffic building into the evening.
“Major trunk routes will be congested, with Saturday also busy.
“And after such miserable cold temperatures recently, drivers are ready to make the most of any better weather.
“Expect many more people on roads on days temperatures rise.”