UK to Enjoy Sunniest Week as ‘Canaries Heat Bulge’ Intensifies
A broad plume of warm air will push north over Britain this week. Forecasts published 20 April 2026 predict a rapid rise in temperatures.
Some bulletins even describe the situation as UK to Enjoy Sunniest Week as ‘Canaries Heat Bulge’ Intensifies.
Forecast overview
Met Office and BBC Weather expect a drier, brighter spell from midweek. High pressure will dominate for several days.
Forecasters point to a 400-mile-wide warm surge originating near the Canary Islands. That will bring prolonged sunshine for many.
Temperature timeline
Temperatures start lower at the start of the week. Monday readings were around 15C in places.
By Wednesday many areas should reach about 18C. Thursday and Friday could see widespread 20C highs.
The ECMWF model indicates peaks near 23C later in the month. The highest values are likely on April 29 in the south-east and along the southern coastline.
How warm compared with abroad
Warm air will make parts of Britain warmer than some Mediterranean locations. Forecast charts compare UK highs with 16C for Istanbul.
Regional details
Most of England, parts of Wales, and East Anglia will feel the warmth. Midlands and sections of Wales will see milder conditions.
The north will also be milder than recent weeks. Northern Ireland and southern Scotland could reach about 18C, with roughly 16C in the Highlands.
Sunshine and timing
Up to 12 hours of sunshine per day are likely for many locations. Some places may enjoy near dawn-to-dusk clear skies.
However, chilly winds are possible at the very start of the week. A brief return to cooler conditions may occur around the coming weekend.
Counties expected to exceed 20C
Forecast charts show 28 counties may climb to 20C or higher. These are:
- Pembrokeshire
- Cardiganshire
- Carmarthenshire
- Glamorgan
- Brecknockshire
- Staffordshire
- Warwickshire
- Worcestershire
- Gloucestershire
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Somerset
- Dorset
- Wiltshire
- Berkshire
- Oxfordshire
- Hampshire
- Sussex
- Surrey
- Kent
- Middlesex
- Essex
- Hertfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Bedfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
What to expect in the coming days
Overall conditions should stay mainly dry into early May. Showers are most likely in eastern districts.
Forecasters advise keeping a light jacket handy for blustery moments. Milder weather is expected to return after any brief cool spell.
Filmogaz.com will monitor the situation and publish updates as new model runs arrive.
