Parts of the UK will bask in 24C heat over the coming days as the hottest April in six years continues.

Despite warm weather and sunshine expected for Thursday and Friday, many of the UK's open spaces will be largely empty due to the coronavirus lockdown.

For the north London, Hertfordshire and Essex areas, temperatures will reach 20C tomorrow.

This would be well above the average high of 14C in April for England and the hottest the UK has been this month since 2014, the Met Office said.

Forecasters said the good weather is due to a large area of high pressure to the north of England making the days clear and bright.

What’s the weather like this week?

Wednesday (April 22) will see any mist or low cloud clear away quite quickly, then it will be sunny just about everywhere.

After a chilly start, it will be warmer and less breezy for most areas, highest temperatures in the west.

The Met Office outlook for Thursday to Saturday said: “Warm and sunny for most, although cooler along the coasts. Some patchy rain in parts of Scotland over the weekend, perhaps some showers in the southwest.”

How will the weather be at the weekend?

Looking further ahead, the Met Office UK outlook for Saturday, April 25 to Monday, May 4 says: “It is expected to be largely fine and dry with plenty of sunshine to start this period, with any risk of showery conditions confined to the south of England.

“When, at times, unsettled conditions reach the south, it may also carry a risk of thunder and lightning.

"Temperatures are expected to be rather warm for most, but perhaps cool along eastern coastlines.“

Temperatures will then tend towards average for the time of year, with any overnight frosts isolated to sheltered northern regions.

The largely sunny, settled conditions with light winds are expected to continue until the end of April, when showery, unsettled conditions may then become more widespread and extend further north.

Watford Observer:

Magnolia trees. Photo: Pixabay

What’s the long-range forecast?

The Met Office UK forecast for Tuesday, May 5 until Tuesday, May 19 explains that: “Although confidence is low for this period, it is likely that unsettled, showery conditions that were confined to the south, will extend further north and become somewhat widespread.”

It is also possible that towards the middle of May we will see a return to settled conditions with dry and bright weather. Temperatures are expected to be overall near or above average.

Stay at home

The Met Office has previously reminded the public to “please remember, despite the sunny weather, during this Coronavirus crisis the Government advice is to only go outside for food, health reasons or work, to stay two metres (6ft) away from other people and to wash your hands regularly.”

Current government guidance is to only leave the house for very limited purposes, which are:

  • shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
  • one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
  • any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
  • travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home