Hotter than Majorca as spring set to return after wintry spell

‘A lot milder than it has been of late’

SCOTLAND could enjoy temperatures higher than the Mediterranean this week as the recent wintry spell gives way to a warm front.

Parts of Scotland will see temperatures of up to 19C (66F) in the run-up to Easter weekend as warm air draws in from France.

Though heavy rain and chilly temperatures may persist in northern Scotland today, milder weather is set to move in from tomorrow onwards.

Regions in the Central Belt and south of Scotland are forecast to see the warmest temperatures, with potential to reach highs of 19C on Friday and Saturday.

Some Scots could even be blessed with warmer weather than Majorca, with the Balearic Island forecast to see temperatures drop to lows of below 17C (63F) at points in the week.

The dry spells and warm temperatures continue into the weekend, though south-east England is likely to enjoy the hottest weather, with possible highs of up to 20C (68F).

The average daily maximum in April is 10C (50F) but Scotland looks set to experience temperatures nudging 20C. The warm southerly air flow is, however, likely to cause unsettled weather and bring in some rain and wind – particularly in the North-West and coastal areas.

Richard Miles, spokesman for the Met Office, said: ‘It should be a lot milder than it has been of late, and it will probably be warmer than average for this time of month.

‘Warmer air will be coming up over the UK from the south. It will be less wintry than in the past couple of weeks.’

He added: ‘The highest temperatures will most likely be in south-east England but Scotland could see mid to high teens by the weekend.

‘Hitting temperatures of 17C-19C by Friday and Saturday is not impossible. The general rule of thumb is that the further south you are, the warmer it will be.’

The low pressure system moving into Scotland could still mean heavy rain and strong winds in the North-West.

Dan Rudman, deputy chief meteorologist, said: ‘A low-pressure system to the north-west of the UK will bring unsettled weather to the North with some strong winds likely and rain in the North-West, which could impact driving conditions for some.’