The UK faces a mix of stormy weather with Storm Kathleen bringing rain, winds, and snow, followed by a heatwave expected to bring temperatures up to 23°C.
The UK is currently experiencing a mix of weather conditions, with forecasts indicating both stormy weather and an upcoming heatwave. Storm Kathleen is set to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow to parts of the UK on Friday and into Saturday. A Met Office yellow weather warning has been issued for central Scotland due to rainfall, with up to 35mm expected overnight. Gusts could reach up to 70mph in some western coastal areas, with widespread gusts of 30-40mph anticipated across the country. Additionally, a yellow warning for snow has been issued for higher ground, signalling potential significant snow accumulations. Despite this, some areas in south-eastern England might enjoy warm spells of sunshine, with temperatures reaching up to 18°C.
Named by Met Eireann, Storm Kathleen marks the 11th named storm in eight months and is notable for being only the second time the letter ‘K’ has been reached within a UK storm season. Residents have been advised to stay updated on weather alerts and prepare accordingly.
In contrast, forecasts also highlight an impending shift to warmer weather, with new weather maps showing red and yellow hues indicating temperatures could soar to 18C, 19C, or even 20C this weekend, potentially making it the warmest day of the year so far. The heatwave, expected to follow the storm, is attributed to warmer weather moving in from the Canary Islands and high pressure from the Azores, offering a respite from the recent rainy and unsettled weather. This warmer spell is particularly anticipated after parts of the UK, including Kent and East Anglia, experienced cooler conditions. By mid-April, temperatures in some areas could reach as high as 23°C, notably above the average for this time of year.
As the UK prepares for these diverse weather phenomena, from the wet and windy impacts of Storm Kathleen to the anticipated warmth of the heatwave, residents are encouraged to stay informed on the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.
