The Met Office has brutally shut down headlines suggesting we’re about to see either a ‘mini heatwave’ or snowstorm in the UK.
We’re coming out of a dry and sunny March, and April has kicked off with above average temperatures and plenty of clear skies.
April 4 was the hottest day of the year so far, but that warm, dry weather has unfortunately led to wildfires, with firefighters tackling blazes in Scotland, Dorset, and elsewhere.
Thankfully we’re not facing Storm Olivier, which is currently racing across Spain and the Canary Islands and bringing heavy rain and high winds.
The Easter holidays are about to kick off, and there is warm weather to look forward to across the UK.
But does that equate to a ‘mini heatwave’? Or are the tables about to turn, with snowy downpours set to ruin the lovely spring weather?
That’s what some headlines would have you believe – but the Met Office has very firmly shut them down.
A spokesperson said: ‘Largely dry and fine conditions will continue through much of this week, though with some showers possible in parts of Scotland from Friday and into Saturday.
‘There are also signals for some more unsettled weather on Sunday and into next week, but it’s too early to give specific details.’
Could April see a mini heatwave?
Claims that April could be the ‘hottest April ever’ have been dismissed by the forecasters, with their statement adding: ‘While April has started warmer than average, it’s not currently record-breaking and it’s too soon to speculate on where it might ultimately end in the rankings in terms of temperature.
‘Long-range outlooks suggest unsettled weather next week, with temperatures closer to average, but perhaps above average in some places.’
They’ve also dismissed suggestions that we could see a ‘mini heatwave’ this month – but ‘mini heatwave’ isn’t a real meteorological term.
On top of that, this week’s temperatures won’t be high enough to be classified as an official heatwave, the forecaster said.
Is a snow storm heading to the UK?
In complete contrast, some headlines are suggesting the UK could see ’18 hours of non-stop snow’ by the end of this week – but the Met Office says this isn’t likely.
A spokesperson said: ‘Temperatures are likely to drop over the weekend and into next week as the UK’s weather gets more of an Atlantic influence.
‘This will mainly bring rain at the start of next week, but there is a chance of some wintry showers over high ground in Scotland, which is relatively common, even in April.
‘Exact details and timings on any snowfall, or even the extent of it, aren’t available until closer to the time.
‘Any snow which does fall is unlikely to settle other than on the higher peaks across Scotland.’
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