Wednesday 8th April
Tuesday was a glorious day with wall to wall sunshine that eventually lifted the thermometer to a maximum of 21.8C at 15.47. The peak was a significant 7.5C above my long-term average due to the flow of warm air off the Continent on a southeasterly breeze, that was brisk at times.
There was a significant diurnal range of temperature, that is the extremes between day and night, of 16.5C, as the thermometer dropped to a minimum of 5.3C at 06.43 early Wednesday, being 1.4C above average.
In cold weather I mention from time to time that it feels colder outside than that shown on a protected thermometer, using the data of temperature, humidity and wind (THW). Yesterday was quite the opposite. The THSW index, adding the effect of solar strength to the wind, humidity and temperature data, meant that outside although the shielded thermometer indicated a temperature of 21.1C at 14.05, it felt more like 23.2C.
Wednesday arrived with splendid sunshine as the sun rose with no cloud on the eastern horizon to weaken its strength. By 08.00 the thermometer had recovered to 8.9C. The ridge of high pressure will be dominant again today resulting in a very warm and sunny day, once again thanks to the drift of warm air on a southeasterly breeze. The wind strength will be lighter than yesterday that under the strong sunshine is likely to see the maximum exceed that of yesterday.
By Thursday the high pressure will have relinquished its hold as two cold weather fronts traverse the country, that will bring in behind them a much cooler air flow. The air will have originated from the north Atlantic, not the Arctic as last month, so a cooler air stream, not cold, with the maximum returning to near average for April.
Another image of apple blossom that is beginning to burst open in the sunshine.
More from the Met Office release on April showers.
Cold air still lurking
Despite the strengthening sunshine, April is not immune to colder air. The UK can still experience northerly or easterly winds at this time of year, drawing in air from cooler regions.
When this happens, showers can take on a wintry edge, with sleet or hail mixed in, especially over higher ground.
This combination of bright sunshine and chilly air can feel confusing, reinforcing the idea that April weather is unpredictable. It also explains why frosts are still possible overnight, even after a showery day.
Not every April is the same
While April has a reputation for showers, it is important to remember that no two Aprils are identical. Some are notably dry and sunny, while others are wetter and more unsettled. Even within the same month, conditions can vary significantly from one region to another.
This variability is partly down to the nature of showers themselves, but also to small shifts in large-scale weather patterns. A slight change in the jet stream’s position or wind direction can make the difference between a settled spell and a week of frequent showers.
The phrase “April showers” has likely lasted because it reflects a common experience rather than a guarantee. April is a month when showers are generally more common than at many other times of year, thanks to a combination of atmospheric instability, strengthening sunshine and the frequent influence of Atlantic systems.