The Met Office verdict on the ‘mini-heatwave’ arrives today

Britain is braced for warmer weather as temperatures rise across the country in the coming days, forecasters said. Temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday with a brief period of high pressure bringing temperatures to 20 degrees Celsius in the southeast.

It’s the start of a 72-hour African flurry, with above-average temperatures continuing into Friday and into the weekend before starting to cool again by Sunday. It’s a welcome change from weeks of showers and windy conditions from low pressure systems coming in from the Atlantic as Britain was hit with winds of up to 70mph and heavy rain as Storm Kathleen moved away from the country earlier this week. .

However, for those of us in Devon and Cornwall, this may not be the time to break out the suntan lotion, umbrellas and beach gear. The region is set for a cloudy few days with temperatures not exceeding 17 degrees Celsius and there could even be some rain around.

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While some media are referring to it as a ‘mini-heatwave’, a true heatwave would only be reached if temperatures exceeded 25C in most areas, according to the Met Office. Average UK temperatures in April are usually around 15C, so for Devon and Cornwall, temperatures won’t even be much above average for this time of year, if at all.

A Met Office spokesman said: “Today we see warmer air moving across the country from the west, bringing milder weather to much of the country later today and tomorrow. Southeast, before cold air returns from the northwest by Friday.”

BBC weather forecaster Helen Willetts added that it will feel warm over the next three days, with bright skies and sunshine expected across the country. “We may see some brighter skies and sunshine break through before the next source of rain starts to materialize again in western parts,” she said.

“Warmer Atlantic air is with us through Thursday and really into Friday to end the week and maybe even start the weekend, but not quite as we have cooler air starting to dig in behind it.”

MET OFFICE FORECAST FOR THE SOUTH-WEST

Today:

Cloudy today with hill fog and light rain or drizzle, especially in western parts. Drizzle may drop at times later with occasional cloud breaks possible to the east. Rather mild and breezy, though cooler under a lingering cloud. Maximum temperature 17 °C.

This evening:

Widespread low cloud persists throughout the night, although some breaks in places. Patchy drizzle on some west facing hills as well as some hill fog. It stays airy. Minimum temperature 10 °C.

Friday:

Mostly dry, although quite cloudy with some drizzle at times in the west. Bright or sunny spells develop in the east. Fairly mild feel in any sun with lighter winds. Maximum temperature 17 °C.

Outlook for Saturday through Monday:

Mostly dry on Saturday with some hazy sun at times. Sunny spells and occasional showers on Sunday. Showers become more widespread and abundant on Monday as temperatures return to average. Cool.