Forecasters have predicted a near 20C temperature rise in some parts of the UK within a four-day span next week. The mercury plummeted to around 1C on Tuesday in the Scottish Highlands, and several regions are expected to remain chilly and windy over the next few days.
However, some of this week's coldest areas are forecasted to be among the warmest by Wednesday, as the unpredictable weather takes another turn. Maps from InMeteo forecasters indicate that temperatures will barely reach 3C in parts of West Dunbartonshire and Stirling by Saturday morning, but by Wednesday afternoon, these same areas could see 17C.
According to the Met Office, the average temperature for Scotland at this time of year is 10.3C. However, most of the UK can expect above-average temperatures for April by mid-next week, with parts of Northwest England, including Merseyside, reaching around 15C on Wednesday.
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Despite the warmer spell, the Met Office has clarified that it won't qualify as a heatwave. The best chances for a meteorological heatwave - which requires temperatures to hit at least 28C in the south of England for three consecutive days - are more likely towards the end of May and June, reports the Mirror.
Oli Claydon, a Met Office spokesperson, shared with us: "It could be May into June that we meet the heatwave threshold as there's nothing to indicate it sooner. There is some pleasant weather forecast this weekend for many, which will be a boost after unsettled weather recently."
Brace yourselves for a chilly snap as temperatures are expected to plummet below freezing in parts of North Yorkshire and County Durham by Thursday. With England's average April temperature sitting at 13.5C, the upcoming cold will mark a stark contrast to the recent mild conditions.
Claydon added: "We have still got a showery picture this week. Then high pressure will return for the weekend, so it will feel very different on the weekend to what many are experiencing now."
"The best weather on the weekend will be in the south and the west as these areas will hold on to the brighter and sunnier conditions for the longest. We are looking at highs of 16C or 17C."
Even rural Scotland, which saw temperatures drop to 2C in Dumfries and Galloway on Monday, can expect a warmer Sunday with highs of 15C - significantly above the average of 10.3C for this time of year. However, for an official heatwave to be declared, certain criteria must be met, including three consecutive days with temperatures of at least 25C for Scotland, and even higher in the south.
