Golden days! Get set for a 79F sizzler from Azores
A PLUME of tropical air is set to bring the hottest April day for seven years this week – but could also cause misery for hay fever sufferers.
Warm, sunny conditions are due to arrive in southern Britain from today and spread across the country.
By Thursday, temperatures could reach 26C (79F) in some parts of the South East, which would be the hottest April day since 28.4C (83.1F) was recorded at Eton Dorney, near Maidenhead, on April 23, 2011.
But the Met Office’s John West said: ‘With these higher temperatures and an area of high pressure in charge, pollen levels are going to be higher than average, affecting those with hay fever.’
Tree pollen – affecting one in four of Britain’s estimated 18million hay fever sufferers – will be prevalent, Mr West said. He also warned people to take precautions while out in the sunshine, adding: ‘The strength of the sun can be deceptive at this time of year.’
The sunshine will also cause a riot of colour as buds finally burst into life but experts have warned the flowering will be short and intense.
On Thursday, parts of Britain will be warmer than many southern European destinations, with Rome only reaching 24C (75F) and Malaga, Nice and Barcelona just 20C (68F).
The hot air is being drawn in because an area of ‘unusually’ deep low pressure is lying in the Atlantic to the west of an area of high pressure over Britain, Mr West said.
The situation creates a strong, south westerly air stream bringing tropical heat from the Azores.
Mr West said Thursday is likely to be the warmest day since August 29 last year, when many areas were above 25C ( 77F). Southern England will see the first of the warm weather today, with temperatures reaching 20C (68F), while northern areas will be cloudier with breezy conditions, some rain and showers.
Tomorrow is likely to be dry and sunny for most, with temperatures warming up and reaching a likely maximum of 24C (75F). But on Thursday, even northern England could reach 23C (73F), although western parts of Wales are likely to be cooler. The average temperature for southern Britain in midApril is 13-14C (55-57F).
The fine weather is set to continue into Friday although it will be slightly cooler.