The hottest spring since records began is on its way, forecasters say.
Temperatures will climb to a whopping 18C in parts of Britain this week as the UK is graced with unseasonable warmth.
But an “African plume” which is set to sweep the country could send the mercury sky-rocketing.
Forecasters say this could be a sign of the hottest spring for Britain since record-keeping began.
According to meteorologists, April could see highs of a staggering 26C at times, the Birmingham Mail reports.
Parts of England and Wales will see temperatures as high as 18C by Thursday this week as a blast of hot air from the Sahara sweeps in.
Unfortunately, much of the Westcountry will have to wait a little while longer for temperatures to hit that level.
Places like Bath, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil will fail to climb above 12C this week.
Regardless, this week’s weather has not resulted in the odds being slashed on the season as a whole being the hottest yet.
The Met Office said a much warmer-than-usual March to May is five times more likely than much cooler conditions.
Coral cut odds on spring being the hottest on record from 4/1 to 5/4 with spokesman Harry Aitkenhead saying: “Punters believe a sizzling spring is ahead.”
The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said: “With computer models strongly favouring a warm spring, there is potential for the record for the hottest spring to be challenged.
“In April, 22C highs are likely in Scotland.
“Plumes of warm air from Africa are expected.
“And there is an increased chance of a hot and settled summer due to the trend for more high pressure, which brings hot conditions in summer.”
What to expect this week across Somerset
After a beautiful weekend, a largely dry week is in store for Somerset.
A chill will linger in the air on some days, however, temperatures will hover around 12C for much of the week.
Alternating cloud and sun is predicted.
Any rain is likely to be confined to the north and northwest where it may be windy with a risk of gales.
