Britain braces for unseasonal heat surge as forecasters hint at earliest 30 °c on record
The UK has experienced its warmest day of the year so far, and it’s only April. According to the Met Office, temperatures on Tuesday soared to 24.9°C in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, just days ahead of a potentially historic heat peak.
That figure nudged ahead of Monday’s high of 24.5°C, recorded in St James’s Park, London, which itself crept up slightly to 24.7°C on Tuesday. Forecasters now predict that southern England and the Midlands could feel even warmer on Wednesday, with highs reaching 27°C or 28°C.
Record Heat on the Horizon?
The mercury may continue to rise as the week progresses. In Wales, the all-time April temperature record of 26.2°C is under threat.
Meteorologist Craig Snell from the Met Office pinpointed a likely “line of heat” stretching from London, across the West Country, and into the Midlands as the hot zone to watch.
“The central southern parts of the UK are probably going to be where the highest temperatures will be tomorrow,” he told the PA news agency.
And the real scorcher? That’s expected on Thursday. “We are likely to see 28C or 29C. And again, it’s going to be a corridor from the west of London over towards Bristol which will probably be the most likely places to see the highest temperatures,” Snell explained.
An Early Taste of Summer
This unseasonal warmth could mark one of the warmest starts to May ever seen. Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen acknowledged the anomaly.
“It is not particularly unusual to see warm and sunny periods in April where temperatures reach the mid-20s,” he said. “However, it is more unusual to see temperatures reach the high-20s, and if we see 30C this week, it will be the earliest point in the year in which we have achieved that threshold.”
That threshold – 30°C – would beat the previous April high of 29.4°C, recorded in Camden Square, London, back in 1949. For May, the record stands at 32.8°C, set on 22 May 1922, also in Camden Square.
Warm Weather Sparks Safety Warning
With the heatwave drawing people outdoors, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a stern warning about the dangers of open-water swimming. They’ve reported a 32% increase in water-related incidents compared to the same period last year.
“Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are,” said Craig Carter, LFB’s assistant commissioner for prevention and protection.
“It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water’s edge; it’s easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. And think twice before jumping into open water.”
The LFB revealed that in the first quarter of 2025, crews dealt with 160 water-related emergencies — an average of over 13 per week, up from under 11 per week in 2024.
Cool-Down Incoming
But this burst of sunshine won’t last forever. Temperatures are expected to dip on Friday as the high-pressure system responsible for the heat begins to retreat.
As Britain basks in early-summer-like conditions, the potential for the earliest 30°C day on record looms large. While many enjoy the sun, officials are urging caution, especially around open water. Whether the records fall or not, the message is clear — enjoy the warmth, but stay safe.
