Manchester Warmer than Mykonos as UK Set for Hottest Day of the Year

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester is set to bask in temperatures warmer than the picturesque Greek Isle of Mykonos, as the UK braces for what could be the hottest day of the year thus far. Unseasonably warm weather has settled across Britain, defying the usual temperature norms for early April and placing the UK in a rare position, outshining several European vacation spots.

This impressive heatwave comes with temperatures expected to rise above popular destinations such as Marbella and Ibiza in Spain, along with Los Angeles in California, according to the UK’s national weather service. Currently, the record temperature for this year stands at 21.3°C, recorded in both Northolt and Chertsey on March 20.

In Manchester specifically, temperatures are anticipated to peak at around 18°C by mid-afternoon, outpacing temperatures in Mykonos, Greece. The forecast for the UK promises continued warm weather over the weekend and into the following week, with temperatures lingering around 16°C to 17°C.

Typically, the average temperature in early April hovers around 12°C in England and drops further to 10°C in Scotland. However, this unexpected warmth is expected to remain predominantly dry and sunny for the bulk of the country. As Dan Stroud, a forecaster, explained, a cloud formation accompanied by occasional showers is projected to move across the south-west parts of England and certain areas in Wales, providing some much-needed rain to those regions.

Stroud elaborated that while some western parts of the UK saw near-July like temperatures, the eastern coast maintained a distinctively cooler climate due to a chilly easterly breeze. He predicted that Friday might witness temperatures escalating to around 23°C or even reaching an isolated peak of 24°C, branding it potentially the warmest day the UK has experienced this year.

Despite the pleasant weather, the UK has also been dealing with the negative ramifications of its dry spell in March. Firefighters have been aggressively combating significant wildfires in Scotland and Dorset. A notable fire occurred recently at Bickershaw Country Park in Greater Manchester, demanding the intervention of a specialized wildfire unit.

According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, this blaze encompassed an area stretching approximately half a kilometer. A cautionary message warned of a persisting “very high to extreme” risk of wildfires across the country, lasting through Monday, and urged the public to abstain from setting outdoor fires.

Social media channels from the national weather service highlighted the contrasting climates across the country, drawing attention to the uncharacteristically warm climates in western and inland areas, whereas an easterly air current kept the eastern coastal regions markedly colder than usual for this time of year.

In conclusion, this warm spell not only elevates the UK’s weather above several Mediterranean hotspots but also serves as a reminder of the eclectic nature of springtime climate in the region. While the warmth welcomes sunny gardens and outdoor activities, it also underscores the need for vigilance and caution in preventing and managing wildfires. The drive towards sustainable practices and increased preparedness remains crucial as the UK navigates these unpredictable weather patterns.