UK Weather: Hotter than Malibu and Rome in year’s first heatwave

Britain is set to bask in sizzling temperatures for the next two weeks as the ‘African blowtorch’ brings highs of 80F (26C) across parts of the UK.

A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the ‘blowtorch’ will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week.   

Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year – and the Met Office has confirmed that tomorrow’s 70F (21C) will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far.

Experts predict these warm conditions are likely to last for the rest of the month, with changeable conditions continuing in the northwest, while the southeast still has some decent dry and bright spells.

Bring on the heat: People enjoy the start of a warm spell of Spring weather in Greenwich Park, South London

Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year - and the Met Office has confirmed that tomorrow's 70F (21C) will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far. Pictured: Friends Peter and Rajmund, both 32, enjoying the sun in Greenwich Park 

Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year – and the Met Office has confirmed that tomorrow’s 70F (21C) will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far. Pictured: Friends Peter and Rajmund, both 32, enjoying the sun in Greenwich Park 

Enjoying the sun in London's Greenwich Park: Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year - and the Met Office has confirmed that tomorrow's 70F (21C) will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far.

Enjoying the sun in London’s Greenwich Park: Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year – and the Met Office has confirmed that tomorrow’s 70F (21C) will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far.

The Met Office has confirmed that tomorrow's 21C will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far

Toasty temperatures will even be higher than those in Malibu, Athens and Rome on Thursday

The Met Office has confirmed that tomorrow’s 70F (21C) will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far – with temperatures reaching a high of 77F (25C) on Thursday in some areas

A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the 'blowtorch' will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week

A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the ‘blowtorch’ will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week

One sun worshipper catches some rays while catching up on her messages in Greenwich Park in South East London

One sun worshipper catches some rays while catching up on her messages in Greenwich Park in South East London

Toasty temperatures will even be higher than those in Malibu, Athens and Rome. 

The start of the week should see warm weather in the south and the east, but the north and west have a high risk of rain and wind.

The southeast can expect the best conditions in the country with the northwest seeing the bleakest.

The African plume differs to the Spanish plume the UK experienced last summer which brought with it temperatures of 77F (25C). 

A Spanish plume is caused by cool Atlantic air being pushed towards Spain, which in turn pushes warm Spanish air towards the UK, bringing with it hot humid weather.  

Huge waves crash over the seafront at Porthleven in Cornwall (pictured) during what is hoped a final bout of poor weather

Huge waves crash over the seafront at Porthleven in Cornwall (pictured) during what is hoped a final bout of poor weather

A yellow weather warning for flooding in some parts of the country such as Cornwall expired today however some rain can still be expected

A yellow weather warning for flooding in some parts of the country such as Cornwall expired today however some rain can still be expected

RSPB Arne on a sunny morning in Dorset marked the start of a week of fine weather

RSPB Arne on a sunny morning in Dorset marked the start of a week of fine weather

People in Guilford Castle grounds enjoy the Daffodils after the rainfall in Surrey

People in Guilford Castle grounds enjoy the Daffodils after the rainfall in Surrey

According to experts at the Met Office, south England will see temperatures of 77F (25C) on Thursday, cooling to a pleasant 73F (23C) on Friday, 66F (19C) on Saturday and 68F (20C) on Sunday.

Rain and windy weather will start off the week in north England, but temperatures will get better as the days go on.

Thursday will be an improvement, with temperatures rising and plenty of sunshine – expect highs of 70F (21C). 

For May, the forecast is uncertain but experts expect to see a combination of dry and rainy days, with average temperatures. 

A little boy plays among the flowers at Greenwich Park in London on Tuesday afternoon 

A little boy plays among the flowers at Greenwich Park in London on Tuesday afternoon 

People enjoy the warm weather in Greenwich Park on Tuesday morning, sporting shades to block out the sun 

People enjoy the warm weather in Greenwich Park on Tuesday morning, sporting shades to block out the sun 

A man dozes off while basking in the sunlight and warm weather conditions at Greenwich Park on Tuesday 

A man dozes off while basking in the sunlight and warm weather conditions at Greenwich Park on Tuesday 

Sunshine vibes in Greenwich Park, South London today as Britain prepares for a heatwave

Sunshine vibes in Greenwich Park, South London today as Britain prepares for a heatwave

Meanwhile it will be wet and windy across Scotland and Wales at first but by Thursday there will be highs of 64F (18C) and 60F (20C) respectively.

In Northern Ireland, Thursday is expected to be the best day with top temperatures of 63 (17C) and clear skies.

And although those in Cardiff won’t have the warmest weather from the blowtorch, they will have five days of cloud free skies.

Royal Navy vessels visit sunny Weymouth harbour, displaying Union Jack flags as is customary for British ships when in a harbour

Royal Navy vessels visit sunny Weymouth harbour, displaying Union Jack flags as is customary for British ships when in a harbour

People walk their dogs on Weymouth's sunny beach on a fine Spring morning on Monday 

People walk their dogs on Weymouth’s sunny beach on a fine Spring morning on Monday 

People enjoy a beautiful Spring day in sunny Weymouth on Monday 

People enjoy a beautiful Spring day in sunny Weymouth on Monday 

A yacht visits Weymouth harbour on a sunny and crisp Spring day  on Monday

A yacht visits Weymouth harbour on a sunny and crisp Spring day  on Monday

Oli Claydon, a spokesman for the Met Office said:  ‘A yellow weather warning for flooding in some parts of the country expired at 11am today however dribs and drabs of rain can still be expected.

‘There will also be heavy showers today in Northern Ireland and Scotland with periods of brightness later in the afternoon.  

‘Tomorrow there will be warmer conditions with highs of 75F (24C) in South East England and 63F (17C) in Glasgow – also expect bright conditions and some showers in north Scotland.’

Rain and windy weather will start off the week in north England, but temperatures will get better as the days go on (RSPB Arne in Dorset pictured)

Rain and windy weather will start off the week in north England, but temperatures will get better as the days go on (RSPB Arne in Dorset pictured)

A map shows flood alerts earlier today, however things are starting to look up for the rest of the week with highs of 79F (26C) in some parts of the country

A map shows flood alerts earlier today, however things are starting to look up for the rest of the week with highs of 79F (26C) in some parts of the country

Those living by the coast should still expect a chilly breeze as sea surface temperatures are still below average (Round Island on a sunny morning in Dorset)

Those living by the coast should still expect a chilly breeze as sea surface temperatures are still below average (Round Island on a sunny morning in Dorset)

Friday will be a bright sunny day and things will start to cool down by Saturday and Sunday (RSPB Arne in Dorset pictured)

Friday will be a bright sunny day and things will start to cool down by Saturday and Sunday (RSPB Arne in Dorset pictured)

People enjoy the start of a warm spell of Spring weather in Herne Bay, Kent on Tuesday 

People enjoy the start of a warm spell of Spring weather in Herne Bay, Kent on Tuesday 

He continued: ‘Thursday will be one of the hottest days with highs of 79F (26C) in some areas.

‘However, those living by the coast should still expect a chilly breeze as sea surface temperatures are still below average.  

‘Friday will be a bright sunny day and things will start to cool down by Saturday and Sunday.’



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