Sunshine and warmth to return to UK for Mother’s Day and into next week
It comes after a short burst of unsettled weather.
Sunshine and warmer weather will return to the UK in time for Mother’s Day and is set to last into next week.
Temperatures are expected to steadily rise through the week, starting with forecasted highs of 17-19C on Monday and ending with highs of 20-23C on Thursday and Friday.
South East England is set to enjoy the warmest temperatures over the week, with parts of south-west Scotland potentially experiencing those highs on Thursday and the West Midlands and parts of North West England on Friday.
It comes after a small burst of unsettled weather on Friday and Saturday “in typical spring fashion”, and the Met Office warned the daytime heat next week will likely be followed by chilly evenings and nights.
The forecasting body said: “In typical spring fashion, we are going to see a short-lived spell of unsettled weather this weekend before we transition back towards a blocked weather pattern as high pressure builds on Sunday and dominates our weather through much of next week.
“While day time temperatures will be warm next week, nights will still be chilly and there is still a chance we could see some rural overnight frosts under the clear skies.”
A partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the UK between 10am and noon on Saturday – with viewing chances best in the east where skies should be clearest.
The phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth. The three will not be completely aligned, meaning only part of the Sun will be obscured.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said conditions are “slightly chillier” on Friday.
“We then see some milder air move through on Saturday but with this more cloud, outbreaks of rain perhaps lingering for a time across parts of the South East through the early hours of Sunday, but then high pressure largely dominating and it sticks around as we head into next week too bringing some fine and settled conditions, perhaps even some warm sunshine,” she went on.
She said Sunday morning will be cloudy with possible drizzle and mist.
“Through the course of the morning this will clear its way up nicely and mostly it’s going to be quite a dry day,” Ms Criswick continued.
“That will lead to some sunny spells particularly across central and inland areas of the UK.”
The meteorologist said Northern Ireland, and parts of Wales and Cornwall, may see grey skies in the afternoon.
“For the rest of the week… we have this area of high pressure building its way up from the south, dragging in some more milder air too, so it’s likely that there will be quite a settled start to the week next week, lots of sunny spells and also some quite warm temperatures,” she added.
The recent weather has been “pretty perfect” for spring flowers, according to the National Trust.
Mike Beeston, a gardens and parks consultant for the charity, said: “Bulbs and blossom seem to be flowering at about the right time, certainly not as early as we have seen in the past few years.
“Daffodils will be flowering for Mothers’ Day which is always seen as a good touchstone for timing.
“The steady temperatures and settled weather have been pretty perfect for encouraging all sorts of blooms to come out particularly magnolia and early blossoming varieties such as wild cherries and blackthorn which are starting to look spectacular in gardens and the countryside.
“However if temperatures were to rise and get very warm, blooms may not last as long as they otherwise would – all the more reason to head outside and enjoy the sunny skies and spring displays in the coming days.”
