Britain is set to enjoy an unseasonably warm spring day on Friday (April 11), with temperatures soaring up to 23°C in some areas, nearly 10°C above the seasonal average. The Met Office says the highest temperatures are likely in parts of east Wales, central and southeast England, and possibly even eastern Scotland.
London is forecast to hit 22°C this afternoon, with much of the southeast and southwest also basking in 20°C to 21°C sunshine. The UK average for early April typically sits closer to 13°C. The warm weather is being driven by a dominant area of high pressure, which Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud described as acting “like a force field,” keeping clouds and rain at bay.
“It keeps conditions settled and dry underneath the area of high pressure,” he explained.
The heat surge, driven by a high-pressure system blanketing much of the country, is expected to bring widespread sunshine and unusually warm conditions for April.
Last Friday already saw the year's warmest day to date, with Otterbourne in Hampshire reaching 23.7°C.
As many flock outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, fire services are urging the public to be cautious. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a strong warning against using barbecues in parks or on balconies, citing an increased risk of wildfires.
The LFB reported a 48% spike in emergency calls last weekend compared to the same weekend in 2024. Assistant Commissioner Thomas Goodall warned that the fire risk is growing daily due to the ongoing dry spell.
“The risk of wildfires in London is currently heightened, and this risk increases with every day that passes without rainfall,” said Goodall. “Parents should ensure their children understand the fire risks to help protect our open spaces.”
Residents are being urged to dispose of cigarettes properly and avoid using disposable barbecues, especially in grassy or wooded areas.
Fire crews are already battling major blazes across the UK, including in Northern Ireland, Leicestershire, Dorset, South Wales, and Scotland, all worsened by the dry conditions.
While today’s sunshine will delight many, the warm spell isn’t set to last, as an arctic blast is expected to hit parts of the country in a week.
The southeast will hold onto the warmth for a bit longer, with 17–19°C still likely, but widespread showers, hail, and even thunder are expected to sweep in by Sunday.
