UK weather: Mercury to hit 30C earlier in 2025 than ever before in history says Met Office
With the Met Office predicting highs of 29C on Thursday, Brits could see the temperature reaching 30C at the earliest point in the year since the forecaster's temperature records began back in 1860
As Brits embrace warm and sunny spring weather, temperatures could hit 30C at the earliest point since Met Office records began, the forecaster has said.
Currently, highs of 29C are forecast for Thursday at the peak of the warm spell, but warm temperatures on Wednesday could see the 76-year record for the highest April temperature broken. The last record was set in 1949 when temperatures in Camden Square, London, peaked at 19.4C on April 16. Much of southern and central England and Wales are forecast highs of 24C to 26C on Thursday, with the Met Office predicting that highs of 29C could be possible.
If temperatures exceed this and reach 30C, which the forecaster has said could happen, then it would be the earliest point in the year that the mercury has reached 30C since Met Office temperature records began in 1860. If temperatures exceed 32C then the record for the highest May temperature will be broken on the first of the month - with the existing record standing at 32.8C on May 22, 1922, in Camden Square.
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "It is not particularly unusual to see warm and sunny periods in April where temperatures reach the mid-20s. This has occurred as recently as 2018 and 2019, for example.
"However, it is more unusual to see temperatures reach the high-20s, and if we see 30C this week, it will be the earliest point in the year in which we have achieved that threshold."
Nicola Maxey, Met Office press officer, said: "As high temperature continues to dominate the UK weather we will see the temperatures building day on day through the week with Thursday seeing the peak of the heat with 29C or even a chance we could see 30C. Friday temperatures will start to dip across much of the UK as the high pressure starts to pull away."
The latest weather maps show temperatures peaking at 26C in London and the south east of England on Thursday, with warm weather spread across much of England and Wales. Brits from Southampton up as far north as Newcastle will enjoy warm sunshine on Thursday as temperatures are forecast to range from the low to mid-20s and predictions of 29C from the Met Office.
But one region is set to miss out on the best of the weather before things start to cool down again. Those in the south west of the country, mainly Cornwall but also parts of Devon, will see highs of just 16C on Thursday at 3pm, while areas in the Pennines and Scottish borders are set for just 14C.
Chief Meterologist Jason Kelly said: "Thursday looks set to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures climbing notably above the seasonal average. Overnight temperatures will also be very high in places.
"It's possible national and station records for daytime and overnight temperatures may be broken, but it's unclear at this point whether heatwave criteria will be reached; if this happens, it is most likely in some of the lower category areas which require temperatures to reach 25C or above for three consecutive days. The far north will always see cooler conditions, with these more seasonal temperatures likely spreading erratically south later in the week.'
The current Met Office forecast for Thursday to Saturday, marking the start of May, reads: "A very warm and sunny day on Thursday. An increased risk of some heavy showers or thunderstorms from Friday, otherwise dry and bright for most. Turning cooler by the weekend."
In a tweet, the Met Office explained the unseasonably warm weather, saying: "A broad area of high pressure is currently positioned over the UK, leading to sinking air that warms as it descends. Combined with prolonged sunshine, this is expected to push temperatures up to 29C in southern areas by Thursday."
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