With temperatures likely to rise as high as 24°C (75°F), the UK heatwave is predicted to bring the warmest day of the year thus far. Parts of the UK could outperform well-known European locations including Marbella and Ibiza in Spain, Mykonos in Greece, and even Los Angeles in California because to this abnormally warm weather. Forecasters predict that Friday will continue dry and sunny most of the UK, especially in central and southern England where temperatures should peak.
A notable divergence from early spring standards, the Met Office said that present weather conditions are “nearer to what we would expect in July.” Average April temperatures in England and Scotland historically range from 12°C in England and 10°C in Scotland, hence, this unexpected warmth is different. Recorded in Northolt, west London, and Chertsey, Surrey, on March 20, 21.3°C was the hottest temperature the UK has yet seen this year. Friday’s temperature might surpass that milestone and record 2025.
Where in the UK Are the Hottest Spots Right Now?
Temperatures in southern England have already reached extremes. While Achnagart in the Scottish Highlands felt a similarly warm 20.1°C, the south noted highs of 20.7°C on Thursday. These numbers much exceed the seasonal average and support forecasts of increasing intensity of the UK heatwave.
Eastern coastal areas have stayed noticeably colder even if many inland and western areas of the nation have been somewhat warm. This results from strong easterly winds over the North Sea lowering coastal temperatures. A Met Office spokesman said: “Temperatures have been nearer to what we’d expect in July in some inland and western areas, but conversely, a chilly easterly breeze has kept many eastern coastal areas much colder.”
Consequently, the mild interior and breezy shoreline contrast to produce different local weather conditions even over small distances.
Why Are These Temperatures High?
The rise in temperatures is ascribed by meteorologists on a steady area of high pressure over the United Kingdom, which has avoided cloud cover and let continuous sunshine to warm the ground. Forecaster Dan Stroud pointed out that some little disturbances could bring isolated showers, especially in Southwest England and Wales. Still, much of the nation will stay parched.
“We have an area of cloud and showery rain movement northward across south-west England and parts of Wales overnight tonight and into tomorrow,” he remarked. “That will bring some welcome rain for small areas of the country, but most of the nation is looking at another fine and dry spring day tomorrow with a lot of warm sunshine on offer.”
“One thing we are expecting tomorrow is for temperatures to creep up into 23°C or maybe the odd isolated 24°C so essentially the warmest day of the year so far.” he said.
This unexpected weather pattern suggests a more general UK heatwave that has seized hold, shocking many who would have expected gentler spring conditions in early April.
Where in the UK are wildfires breaking out?
Sadly, the dry and sunny weather linked with the UK heatwave have raised the likelihood of wildfires all throughout the nation. Scotland has especially suffered; firemen are battling a significant grass fire at Gartur Moss in Port of Menteith, Stirling. Originally reported on Wednesday about midday, the fire burned into Thursday morning. Four appliances still at the site to contain the fire, fire crews reported.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued a severe public warning after stating the fire stretched over half a mile. Encouragement of people not to set fires outside, they declared that a “very high to extreme” wildfire risk still exists throughout many areas of Scotland until at least Monday.
Emergency services also reacted to fires close to Bonhill in West Dunbartonshire and the Kilpatrick Hills near Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, earlier this week. Although these fires were under control, their frequency suggests a larger pattern of increased wildfire hazards resulting from the UK temperatures and lack of recent rainfall.
What Is the Dorset and Surrounding Area Situation?
The situation in southern England is likewise somewhat alarming. Situated on the Dorset-Hampshire border, Moors Valley Country Park was closed following a string of earlier in the week wildfires. On Wednesday, following a re-inspection and seeing residual hotspots close to Ringwood, firefighters were summoned back to the park. Although, thankfully, no casualties have been recorded, several hectares of forest have been devastated.
Dorset’s firemen reacted to two more significant fires last night. The first happened on Wednesday soon before 11:45 p.m., at Upton Heath, close to Poole. The fire quickly covered over more than 15 hectares (37 acres) of heathland. Just hours later, on Thursday at around 5:30 am, a second fire started on nearby Canford Heath encompassing over 2.4 hectares.
By 7 am both flames were under control; fire crews were on site all morning to cool hotspots and stop more flare-ups. The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) underlined the need of public awareness and collaboration in stopping additional blazes amid the UK heatwave.
How are authorities handling the risk of a wildfire?
As the warm and dry conditions last, emergency services all throughout the United Kingdom are on great alert. Working nonstop to limit and put out wildfires throughout several areas, fire crews Public officials are urging people not to engage in actions that can start fires, including starting grills, throwing cigarettes in natural surroundings, or burning yard trash.
The combination of the UK’s warmth with a particularly dry March has produced the ideal environment for wildfires to start and spread. “Wildfires have started following March’s dry spell,” stated Dan Stroud. “The vegetation is dry, and with warm temperatures and low humidity, it becomes extremely flammable.”
Public agencies have provided instructions advising both locals and guests to remain alert, practice fire safety procedures, and report any immediately visible flames or smoke.
What Should We Anticipate Over the Next Days?
Looking ahead, for many areas, the weather is anticipated to continue to be mostly dry and pleasant during the weekend, with more sunshine en route. Though some scattered showers could arise in western and northern regions, the UK heatwave is probably here to stay.
Forecasters advise that the high-pressure system causing the warm spell could continue into next week, therefore extending the unseasonal circumstances. Emergency responders and environmental organizations remain worried about the continuous wildfire threat and the effects of dry weather on local ecosystems, even while many will welcome the opportunity to savor sunlight and milder temperatures.
Officials are urging people to enjoy the weather responsibly, stay hydrated, and be updated about local fire warnings and safety advice as the nation keeps feeling the affects of the UK heatwave.
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