UK
UK weather: Temperatures to soar up to 23C in some areas on Friday – as warning issued by fire brigade
The UK is set for yet more sunshine on Friday, with some parts seeing highs of up to 23C – almost 10C higher than average for this time of the year.
London is expected to enjoy 22C on Friday afternoon, according to the Met Office, while parts of the southeast and the southwest are set to bask in 20C to 21C sunshine.
And forecasters say there is a chance of 23C east Wales, central and southeast England – and potentially even as far north as the east of Scotland.
The temperatures are considerably higher than the average of around 13C for this time of the year.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a warning against using barbecues amid a heightened risk of fires.
Amid a reported 48% increase in calls last weekend compared to the same weekend last year, the LFB called on Londoners to “act responsibly” to prevent blazes.
LFB assistant commissioner Thomas Goodall said: “The risk of wildfires in London currently is heightened and this risk increases with every day that passes without rainfall.”
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Temperatures in the UK at 4pm on Friday. Pic: Met Office
“Over the Easter holidays, parents should ensure that their children understand the fire risks to help protect our open spaces.”
The LFB also urged Londoners “to take steps to ensure they are not inadvertently starting a fire.
“They can do this by not using barbecues in open spaces or on balconies, including disposable ones, to throw rubbish away, and to dispose of cigarettes carefully.”
It comes as firefighters continue to battle major blazes in Northern Ireland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued “extreme” wildfire warnings for Thursday in south-west, eastern, central and northern Scotland.
The drier weather conditions experienced since last week also saw fires reported in Leicestershire, Dorset, South Wales and Scotland.
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Wildfires burn in Northern Ireland
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Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said: “We’ve got high pressure at the moment, which effectively acts like a force field.
“It actually keeps fronts and clouds largely at bay and keeps conditions settled and dry underneath the area of high pressure.”
However, Sky News’ weather producer Joanna Robinson said conditions would change after Saturday.
“By Sunday, daytime temperatures will be a little below average in the north-west, struggling to reach double figures for some,” she said.
“Meanwhile, it’ll still be on the warm side in the south-east, where 17-19C is likely.
“Sunday will also bring widespread showers, some heavy with hail and thunder possible. I’m sure it’ll be welcome rain for farmers and gardeners, less welcome for those wanting a BBQ.”
Last Friday became the hottest day of the year so far when 23.7C (74.66F) was recorded in Otterbourne, Hampshire.