The Met Office has provided insights into the potential for a heatwave hitting Wales following reports indicating a surge in mercury levels due to a warm Iberian jet stream. While the Met Office typically only projects daily temperatures up to seven days in advance, there are positive indications in their long-range forecast.
According to WX Charts, the Iberian Peninsula could give rise to a high-altitude wind current heading towards the UK, potentially leading to a significant rise in temperatures and prolonged periods of pleasant weather. In fact, there are predictions that temperatures in Cardiff could reach 20°C on April 26th, boosting the hopes of warmer days ahead.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast for May 1st to May 15th suggests a likelihood of settled weather dominated by high-pressure patterns, with temperatures expected to be near or slightly above average. While unsettled weather may crop up at times, especially towards mid-May, much of the period is anticipated to be predominantly fine and dry.
However, before the arrival of a potentially sunny spell, there could be some mixed weather conditions to navigate through. The Met Office’s weather maps show an unsettled Easter weekend on the horizon, but with a glimmer of hope of a dry day on Sunday.
Hour-by-hour rainfall forecasts hint at a rainy Friday and Saturday for much of the country, before potentially giving way to drier conditions later on Saturday and throughout Sunday. Despite some intermittent rainfall, BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood lends optimism by assuring that the Easter weekend won’t be a complete washout.
For areas like Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, a yellow weather warning for rain is in effect covering Friday and Saturday. The forecast for the remainder of April suggests showery conditions in many areas, with the possibility of increased dry spells, sunny conditions, and even late-season frost in clearer skies.
The Met Office clarifies that reports of a heatwave stem from various weather simulations that may not depict the complete forecasting picture. While single charts can offer insights, the actual forecast is crafted from a multitude of computer model simulations, expertly analysed by forecasters to provide a comprehensive outlook.
Although Wales awaits the potential warmth from the Iberian jet stream, the Met Office advises keeping an eye on their daily updates for the latest weather developments and any changes in the forecast. Stay tuned for more updates and detailed weather outlooks as we approach the end of April and beyond.