The UK heads for higher temperatures as an Iberian plume moves across the country. According to the latest weather maps, the Iberian plume is set to bathe much of the UK in 21°C heat and bright sunshine.
The Met Office suggested that the UK could be on the verge of a rise in temperatures, hinting that "it could feel very warm at times".
Many Britons have had to turn on their central heating systems in recent weeks, as spring has proved unseasonably cold. Now, however, there seems to be a respite on the horizon, and the prospect of warmer weather should delight sun-loving Britons.
What is an Iberian Plume?
An Iberian plume refers to a weather pattern in which a large mass of warm air moves from the Iberian Plateau or Sahara towards North-Western Europe, including the UK. This warm air movement can lead to significantly higher temperatures and sunnier weather.
According to netweather.tv's weather maps, the following UK cities could enjoy warm weather:
- Annan — 18°C
- Scotland — 18°C
- York — 18°C
- Driffield — 18°C
- Liverpool — 20°C
- Doncaster — 19°C
- Nottingham — 19°C
- Peterborough — 20°C
- Norwich — 19°C
- Slough — 19°C
- London — 21°C
- Dartford — 20°C
- Portsmouth — 19°C
- Worthing — 19°C
- Eastbourne — 19°C
Senior meteorologist at the British Weather Services, Jim Dale, explained that Britain could be on course for record-breaking temperatures.
Well, it's not home and hosed just yet, but the trend is moving into position. Iberian or African plumes are behind the times when the UK does receive much above average temperatures. Iberia has already witnessed record temperatures for the time of year, and before long I’ve no doubt we will join the global throng of countries that have seen or are seeing record or near record temperatures.
The Met Office Long Range Forecast
Met Office long-range forecasts, which cover the period from Tuesday 23 April to Thursday 2 May, also predict a "feeling of warmth" and "fairly strong sunshine".
The forecasts are as follows:
- This period will be dominated by high pressure to the northwest of the UK and lower pressure to the southeast over the near continent, and the extent to which of these systems dominates at any particular time.
- The wind will probably therefore predominantly come from a northerly or easterly direction, so temperatures at least in the east are likely to remain around or a little below average, with any warmer conditions generally further west.
High pressure will bring a dry #weekend for most of us but will it be sunny where you are?
Find out in the latest forecast 👇 pic.twitter.com/QY5mMdxM9Y
— Met Office (@metoffice) April 19, 2024
UK 5-Day Weather Forecast
Here is a brief overview of the weather conditions for the next 5 days:
- This Evening and Tonight:
The last of the showers will disappear this evening, giving way to a dry and largely clear night. Skies will be clear and winds lighter. Frost is likely in places, particularly in the north and west.
- Saturday:
After a cool but bright start to the day, a mainly dry day with variable cloud and a few sunny intervals, although there will be some rain over Scotland later on. Temperatures around average and lighter winds.
- Sunday to Tuesday:
Sunday will be a little cloudier with a chance of rain in places, mainly in the north-east. Similar conditions will continue over the next week, with sunny spells at times. Winds generally light and temperatures around average.