Temperatures of above 20C (68F) are set to return to the UK at the end of this week, according to forecasts.
Warm and dry weather is expected to continue in most areas through the coming days ahead of above-average heat on Friday and Saturday – which “will be close” to the year’s temperature record.
Last Friday became the hottest day of the year so far when 23.7C (74.66F) was recorded in Otterbourne, Hampshire.
Early forecasts from the Met Office predict southern parts of the UK could see temperatures of around 21C (69.8F) on Friday and Saturday.
Temperatures are expected to hover between 14C (57.2F) and 19C (66.2F) across the country during the middle part of the week.
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However, the agency’s long range forecast suggests the warm period will be followed by a “gradual change to a more unsettled weather regime”.
This could bring a “wetter period” through the middle of April with showers and rain potentially turning “heavy and thundery”.
Sky News meteorologist Christopher England said that despite the “chilly wind” and frosty nights, Hampshire enjoyed 2025’s record heat so far last week – and the incoming warmth will be close to repeating those conditions.
“Top temperatures have declined a little since then, although they are still above average away from exposed eastern coasts, but look set to rise towards the weekend, with 20-21C likely in places,” said Dr England.
“Areas to the east of the northern hills look like having the highest temperatures on Thursday, with 20C possible in both Aberdeen and Newcastle for example, while the South will see temperatures climbing on Friday and Saturday.
“A temperature of 20C is likely quite widely there, with 21C in parts of the South East.
“It’s unlikely that this year’s temperature record will be broken, but it may come close in places. Temperatures look set to fall again on Sunday.”
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The risk of wildfires is reducing in many areas after it had been rated as “severe” across much of the UK last week.
Major blazes erupted during dry weather in Scotland and Dorset, with the fires spanning an area of around 1.5 miles and 50 hectares respectively.
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Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it responded to a “significantly large fire” on Gentleshaw Common in Burntwood on Friday.
