We take a look at some online weather headlines and see how they’re telling the weather forecast.
March was a dry and sunny month for much of the UK and April has started on a similar theme, with high pressure leading to plenty of clear skies and above average temperatures for much of the UK.
Largely dry and fine conditions will continue through much of this week, though with some showers possible in parts of Scotland from Friday and into Saturday. There are also signals for some more unsettled weather on Sunday and into next week, but it’s too early to give specific details.
So, with a week of largely settled and fine weather on the way for the UK, here, we address some of the online headlines to see how they’re reflecting the forecast.
Warm weather continues?
“Britain set for 'hottest April ever' as bookies slash odds,” says one headline.
What our forecast says: While April has started warmer than average, it’s not currently record-breaking and it’s too soon to speculate on where it might ultimately end in the rankings in terms of temperature. Long-range outlooks suggest unsettled weather next week, with temperatures closer to average, but perhaps above average in some places.
“Forecasts say temperatures to soar above 20°C in some areas,” declares another headline.
What our forecast says: Temperatures are indeed forecast to rise above 20°C in some areas, possibly peaking at 22°C or 23°C on Thursday and Friday. For the next few days, those further west will see the higher temperatures, before a change in the wind direction stops the onshore flow, meaning those further east will see the higher figures from Thursday.
“'Mini heatwave' to hit UK as temperatures set to spike in 92 counties,” is a more enthusiastic interpretation from one headline.
What our forecast says: Temperatures will be above average through much of this week for many, with plenty of warm sunshine. ‘Mini heatwave’ isn’t a defined meteorological term and this week’s warmth won’t reach the levels to be classified as an official heatwave.
Is snow on the way?
“Parts of UK could face '18 hours' of 'non stop' snow,” says one headline, in stark contrast to the heat headlines.
What our forecast says: Temperatures are likely to drop over the weekend and into next week as the UK’s weather gets more of an Atlantic influence. This will mainly bring rain at the start of next week, but there is a chance of some wintry showers over high ground in Scotland, which is relatively common, even in April. Exact details and timings on any snowfall, or even the extent of it, aren’t available until closer to the time, despite the headline. Any snow which does fall is unlikely to settle other than on the higher peaks across Scotland.
“UK weather maps show exact area set for downpour of snow in April,” says another headline.
What our forecast says: This story uses raw weather model maps to illustrate snow next week. However, forecasting exact locations of snow at this range isn’t possible, even if we know snow is possible on high ground in the north early next week. In any case, this won’t be the weather most people experience, with any snow likely falling in sparsely populated or unpopulated areas and more rain to other parts of the country.
Find out more about how snow is forecast in the UK.
Find out how to assess the forecast you’re reading in online news.
Find a forecast for your area via the Met Office online now. Or explore more in-depth meteorological analysis on Met Office YouTube.
