UK weather forecast: Hottest day of the year so far expected this week

Wednesday forecast to surpass the 26C recorded in Cornwall on Good Friday

The UK will enjoy a mini heatwave this week, with Wednesday set to become the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures of up to 27C.

At the start of the week, most of the UK will experience sunshine and clear skies as temperatures rise into the mid-20s.

By Wednesday, some of the UK will be warmer than holiday destinations in Europe including Ibiza and Marbella.

In London and the south east of England, the temperature that day could go above the 26C recorded on Good Friday in Treknow, Cornwall.

Matthew Box, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “It’s going to be very hot for large parts of England for most of the week, reaching highs of 27C on Wednesday, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far.

“This will occur due to large areas of high pressure, combined with southerly winds from the continent, bringing with it, pleasant sunshine, dry skies and warmer air.”

This period of good weather is likely to continue until Friday, testing the country’s resolve as people are asked to maintain two-metre social distancing and avoid crowded outdoor spaces.

Mr Box added that there will be a divide in weather conditions on Monday and Tuesday, with southern areas hitting highs of 24 and showers in the northwest.

By the middle of the week, warm winds from the Mediterranean will head north, bringing higher temperatures along with them.

Northern England will enjoy a maximum temperature of 26C on Wednesday, while Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales will reach the mid-20s.

There is the chance of rain and thunder in parts of England and Wales on Thursday, and Friday could see heavy spells of rain in western areas.

Additional reporting from PA