Rain and cold to hit UK after days of sunshine and hot weather

A mini-heatwave during the fifth weekend of lockdown prompted concern the public would defy social-distancing restrictions.

Temperatures will tumble this week after days of uninterrupted sunshine prompted fears the public would break social distancing rules.

Rain is expected across the UK and it will be a ‘cooler, more unsettled week’ following the mini-heatwave that saw thousands struggle to stay indoors during the fifth weekend of lockdown.

Temperatures will return to average for this time of year following last week’s highs of more than 23°C, according to the Met Office.

Forecaster Craig Snell said across Wales, the Midlands and over towards Yorkshire, it is expected to be cloudy with outbreaks of rain today.

Northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland will see a bright day with a scattering of showers, while south of the M4 corridor could experience the odd shower.

‘In that southern zone, we’re going to hang on to the warmer air for one more day, so we could see 20°C around the London area,’ he said.

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The rest of the UK will see cooler spells, especially in the Midlands, where temperatures could dip to 11°C or 12°C – a significant drop to highs of 22.4°C recorded at Holbeach in Lincolnshire on Sunday.

It will be slightly warmer in the North, with temperatures between 14°C and 15°C.

On Tuesday, a spell of persistent rain is expected to move across parts of England and Wales, while bright spells and scattered showers continue in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Another band of rain will push north-eastwards on Wednesday, according to the Met Office.

Thursday will see scattered showers – some heavy and thundery – across many parts of the UK.

‘So on the final day of April, we will actually have a day of April showers across many parts of the UK,’ Mr Snell said.

Much of the country has been treated to blue skies and sunshine, but ‘there will be a lot more cloud in the sky’ and rain ‘for many of us’ in the days to come, he added.

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