Londoners bask in warm spring sunshine as temperature hits 20C at start of mini-heatwave
Londoners could see temperatures soar by 10C with the Met Office forecasting the hottest day of the year so far on Saturday.
The mercury has finally started to climb in the capital following a May Bank Holiday washout.
Temperatures had reached 20.8C at Heathrow at 3pm on Wednesday as London basked in warm spring sunshine.
Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna told the Standard: “Thursday, Friday and Saturday certainly will look dry with plenty of sunshine around, with temperatures creeping up as well.
“There will be some clouds at time. Mornings may start with a bit of low cloud and a bit of mist, especially in the suburbs, but there will be plenty of sunshine during the day – light winds as well.
“Tomorrow we are looking at highs of 23C in London and southern England should be the warmest part of the UK.
“It could even be 10C warmer [compared to last week]. On Saturday we are looking at 25C in London… It’s likely to be the warmest day of the year so far.”
But it could be difficult for Londoners to escape the capital as a 10-mile stretch of the M25 will be shut during the warm spell.
A chunk of Britain’s busiest motorway in Surrey will be closed to allow concrete beams for a gyratory bridge and a gantry to be lifted into place.
Tourist enjoy the weather in London on May 8 (REUTERS)
National Highways has urged drivers to only travel in the area “if absolutely necessary”, warning of lengthy detours.
Train strikes are also in place throughout the week and the ASLEF Union are staging an overtime ban until Saturday which may alter train timetables.
Tourist enjoy the weather in London on May 8 (REUTERS)
The Met Office has warned that the warm weather will be short-lived, with thundery conditions expected to return to the capital next week.
Temperatures could drop back to 15C and there could be plenty of showers across London.
To receive the best stories in your inbox every day, click here to register for one or more newsletters from The Standard.