The UK is set to experience its warmest April weather in seven years, with temperatures soaring up to 27°C next week. The warm spell is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, particularly in London, Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, and East Anglia. This temperature marks the highest April day since 2018, when Cambridge recorded similar warmth. The hottest April temperature on record remains 29.4°C, recorded in London on 16 April 1949. Despite the warmth, the Met Office does not currently anticipate an official heatwave, which requires three consecutive days above regional heatwave thresholds.

This warm weather follows an unusually sunny and dry start to April 2025. Many parts of the UK, especially England and Wales, have already seen sunshine amounts typical for the entire month by mid-April. Although cloudier spells have occurred recently, April is still expected to deliver above-average sunshine and temperatures 1 to 2°C above the 1991-2020 average. By the end of the month, temperatures may climb into the mid-20s Celsius across large parts of the country, potentially placing April 2025 among the top five warmest Aprils on record in some regions.

The warmth is linked to a dominant high-pressure system bringing stable, dry, and sunny conditions. This has also contributed to dry ground and increased wildfire risks, with more land burned so far this year than in any full year over the past decade. The dry spell has been intensified by low rainfall in March and early April, creating ideal conditions for wildfires, especially in early spring when dry vegetation is prone to ignition.

While daytime temperatures are rising, nights remain chilly with possible frosts in rural areas. Coastal areas may feel cooler due to cold sea surface temperatures and breezes, despite the sunshine. The warm weather is expected to continue through the week, with high pressure maintaining dry conditions. However, some western parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland may see more cloud and occasional rain. Residents are advised to take sun protection seriously as UV levels increase during this period of strong sunshine.