Warmest air so far this spring to surge into England and Wales

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

May 2,2016; 7:34PM,EDT

 

 

After England and Wales endured a cool end to April and an unsettled bank holiday, the warmest air so far this year is set to arrive late this week.
"High pressure will build over most of the United Kingdom later Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing milder temperatures and dry conditions," AccuWeather Meteorologist Rob Richards said.
Highs from 14-17 C (58-63 F) will dominate England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

Further warming will occur across Wales and England later this week as high pressure remains in control. Temperatures are expected to rise to their highest levels so far this year in many communities.
London and a large part of southern England will flirt with 21 C (70 F) on Friday, helping to erase the memories of highs in the lower teens C (lower 50s F) and sightings of hail and snowflakes at the end of April.
Elsewhere, highs on Friday will generally range from 15-18 C (59-65 F) in northern England and Wales. The air flowing in off the cooler water will hold down temperatures slightly along the southern and eastern coast of England and northwestern Wales.
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Highs in early May typically range from near 12 C (53 F) in northern England to around 16 C (60 F) in the south.
More sunny spells and the lack of rain will give residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in the mild air. However, the weather may cause an increase in pollen levels.
While the chill from late April will be gone, Scotland and Northern Ireland will have to wait for the dry weather and surge of spring warmth that will take place to the south.
"A cold front will cause a few showers on Wednesday across northwestern Scotland," Richards said.

The tail of the front will not lift northward later in the week to let the warmth spill northward. Instead, residents will want to keep brollies handy as scattered showers will dampen more of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
There are indications that a depression will track from the Bay of Biscay to north of the U.K. this coming weekend. While the dry spell may then end for Wales and England, even warmer air will likely get drawn northward across all of the U.K.
Looking ahead to the second half of May, there can be daily fluctuations in temperatures as is typical of spring. However, there are not signs of the extended cool snap from late April returning or prolonged unseasonable warmth.
"The second half of May will probably not be as warm [as this weekend when compared to normal] but can still be biased a bit above normal," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.
May could also end on a drier-than-normal note.