Somerset is bracing itself for a scorcher this week, with temperatures set to peak on Thursday. The mercury is expected to reach a balmy 27°C in the county, as the UK prepares for what could be its highest ever recorded April temperature.
The Met Office has forecast plenty of sunshine across the UK today, with temperatures set to soar above 20°C. In central and southern UK, maximum temperatures may climb to 27°C or even 28°C.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Michael Silverstone stated, “We are experiencing a brief very warm or even hot spell, which isn’t abnormal for the time of year. However, if we reach 30°C on Thursday, 1st May, it will be the earliest date in May that the UK has seen 30°C since our records began in 1860.”
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He added, “This week has already seen highs of 24.5°C at St James’s Park on Monday and 24.9°C at Ross-on-Wye and Trawsgoed on Tuesday. Today, temperatures are set to reach around 27°C, maybe even 28°C, then climbing to 29°C or even 30°C tomorrow. By Friday, the heat will start to ease, though parts of the south and southeast may still reach 27°C or 28°C. The weekend will bring cooler conditions, with more average temperatures for all parts by Sunday.”
The UK heatwave threshold, which requires at least three consecutive days of daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold, is being closely monitored.
While Somerset may not see record-breaking temperatures, the Met Office forecasts highs of 26°C in Taunton, 27°C in Bath, and even 28°C in Weston-super-Mare.
As people consider beach visits to cool off, the RNLI cautions that despite the warm air, water temperatures remain dangerously cold. It is advised to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags to remain safe.
Temperatures are expected to decrease from Friday, with the possibility of showers and thunderstorms in the south/southwest later on Thursday or overnight. Uncertainty looms for the weekend as an area of low pressure attempts to move up from the south.