Sorry, the heatwave’s over! Clouds creep in for Easter
THE glorious sunshine of last weekend will seem a distant memory as cloud envelops the country for Easter – but at least most places will stay dry.
Forecasters predict maximum temperatures of 16C (61F) on Sunday and Monday, compared with the sizzling high of 25C (77F) experienced last Sunday.
Dry but cloudy weather is expected in many areas from today through the next few days thanks to a succession of weather fronts which will peter out across northern Britain as they hit high pressure to the south.
Some rain is possible, mostly in the far north of England and occasionally in the North-West at times tomorrow, Saturday and Monday.
But for most areas the fronts will simply lead to a build-up of cloud, blocking out the sun and keeping temperatures down. Met Office spokesman Emma Sharples said: ‘Although it will not be warm and sunny like last weekend, it’s not a bad Easter overall.
‘There is no heavy rain or strong winds forecast and a lot of fine and dry weather so people can go out and do things over the weekend.’
The best of the sunshine is expected in the South and East of England, especially in the mornings. Miss Sharples added that overnight frosts are possible in rural areas as night-time temperatures reach close to freezing where there are clear skies.
On roadsand rail, millions face mayhem as the Easter rush kicks off. Network Rail says more than 200 engineering works will take place over the weekend, with services in and out of London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol among those affected.
Motorists have also been warned to expect delays, with more than 20million likely to take to the roads over the weekend. They will face almost 170 miles of roadworks on motorways and major roads, despite efforts by Highways England to lift or complete 300 miles of works for the bank holiday.
The M25, the M6 and the M5 southbound to the West Country are expected to be worst hit, according to transport information supplier Inrix. There will also be closures on the London Underground.