The Met Office has declared today as the warmest day of the year, with Northolt in Greater London recording a temperature of 19.2C, marking the highest temperature in 2026. A spokesperson mentioned that London is expected to experience the highest temperatures today, reaching the high teens in many areas.
While temperatures have been high today, there is a possibility of a shift in the weather this evening with rainy showers expected in northern England, Wales, and south-east Scotland. The forecast also includes predictions of snowfall over the Pennines and Southern Uplands, as reported by BBC Weather.
Tomorrow, the Met Office predicts the arrival of clouds over most parts of England and Wales, with temperatures dropping to around 11C to 12C. In contrast, Ireland and Scotland are likely to continue experiencing sunny weather.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the forecast indicates a mix of patchy clouds and sun, with temperatures reaching 12C to 13C on Saturday and 14C on Sunday.
Moreover, a spectacular sunset is anticipated across the country this evening, attributed to dust from the Saharan desert being carried by warm winds towards the UK. This phenomenon could lead to a “blood rain” when the dust interacts with rain showers.
Satellite maps show the Saharan dust moving towards the southern parts of the UK, contributing to vibrant sunsets and the potential for “blood rain.” The dust particles from North Africa will result in hazier skies over the weekend, according to the Met Office, which also played a role in the recent warm spell with temperatures hitting 19C.
The Met Office explains that the color of the sunset may vary depending on the dust concentration in the atmosphere, mentioning the possibility of reddish “blood rain.” This unusual weather occurrence happens when red particles mix with water droplets in the clouds.
Regarding health concerns, the Met Office reassures that there is no significant risk, although individuals with respiratory sensitivities might notice an increase in airborne dust. It is advised to postpone washing vehicles until the end of the week due to the presence of dust on cars and windows, potentially causing slightly reduced visibility at higher elevations.