**UK Braces for Near-Heatwave as Temperatures Set to Soar to 29C**
Britain is on the verge of experiencing its warmest spell of 2025 so far, with forecasters predicting temperatures could reach an impressive 29°C in some areas later this week. The Met Office has indicated that most of the UK can expect sunny and unusually warm conditions over the coming days, in stark contrast to the seasonal averages typically seen at the end of April.
According to the latest updates from the Met Office, daytime temperatures will begin the week in the mid-20s—around 24°C or 25°C—before rising steadily. The forecast suggests that the warm weather will peak on either Wednesday or Thursday, with some chance that the mercury could tip over into the high-20s, approaching the 29°C mark. Such temperatures are considerably above the late April norm, particularly with the average for northern regions usually closer to 12°C, and the south typically seeing highs around 16°C.
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell highlighted the exceptional nature of this warm spell, saying, “We’re certainly on track to see the warmest spell of the year so far.” He also suggested that the country could see its hottest day of the year this Monday, with the potential for records to be broken on subsequent days as the week progresses. The current warmest day, recorded on April 24th with 24°C, may soon be eclipsed.
The extended outlook is largely positive for those hoping to enjoy the outdoors. Much of the UK can expect bright sunshine and dry weather, with the notable exception of northern Scotland. Mr Snell commented, “There will be plenty of sunshine around, the very north of Scotland at times will see some spells of rain, especially at the beginning of the week, but it’s going to be limited to the far north of Scotland. For a lot of the UK it’s going to be largely sunny.”
Overnight, temperatures are expected to remain comfortable, dipping into the low teens rather than staying oppressively warm. This should help mitigate any discomfort that occasionally accompanies heatwaves, with most regions not expected to suffer excessively humid or hot nights.
Despite the exceptional warmth, national records for April and May are unlikely to be surpassed. The highest ever April temperature recorded in the UK stands at 29.4°C, while May holds a record of 32.8°C. Still, meteorologists note that some local weather stations could break their own records due to this unusual spell of warmth.
The Met Office clarified that, while some regions may flirt with heatwave conditions, a full and widespread heatwave across the UK is unlikely. The official definition of a heatwave requires three consecutive days where temperatures remain above a set “heatwave threshold.” This threshold varies depending on area, typically set at 25°C for most places, though it rises to 28°C in London and elsewhere in the South and East.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to shift towards more typical seasonal levels by Friday. “On Friday, temperatures will start to drop towards the average for the time of year, with temperatures in the high teens in the South and mid-teens in the North,” Mr Snell explained.
In summary, most of the UK is in for a spell of unseasonably warm, sunny, and dry weather, offering an early taste of summer. With only northern Scotland forecast to see significant rain, Britons across the country can look forward to enjoying bright days over the next week before the return of cooler and more typical springtime conditions. This comes as a welcome respite for many after what has been a notably unsettled start to the year.
As ever, those planning to spend extended time outdoors are advised to stay hydrated and take the necessary precautions during the hottest parts of the day. Whether this warm burst signals more settled and summery conditions to come remains to be seen, but for now, much of the UK can bask in near-heatwave warmth.