A weather expert has given his verdict as to when the UK can expect to experience temperatures of 25C and above. As April begins, Britons will rightly expect higher temperatures after a long, dark winter. But 25C will most likely not be anywhere near the ceiling this year, Jim Dale, former Royal Navy meteorologist, thinks. "25C maximum temperatures are certain," he said. "The question is, are we going to see 30C or 40C, the latter of which we saw in 2022 and the former several times last year, which is becoming the norm, especially in the south?"

Sharing his verdict, he told the Daily Express: "My view is 30C will happen again, likely far more than once. 40C will be a big challenge, but with climate change ongoing it cannot be ruled out."

When asked when Britons could see 25C, Mr Dale said: "Very likely not this side of the halfway point in April, more than likely during the final third.

"Indeed once we are out of this week, it’ll turn noticeably colder for a spell, frosts returning for many. That’s April for you!"

It comes as the Met Office says we can expect possible highs of 22C this week.

Its Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “The UK will have a sunny start to April this week. Temperatures will slowly build, with highs of 21-22C possible by Thursday.

"Other than a small chance of some light rain grazing the far southwest of England it will be a dry week too.

"At this time of the year, we do start to see higher UV levels, so if you are outside enjoying the sunshine do think about protecting yourself from the sun as even in April it is strong enough to burn your skin.”

Experts add that high pressure will continue to persist through the end of the week and into the weekend, with sunny conditions and warm temperatures in the west of the UK.

The Met Office's Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: “As the area of high pressure moves slightly further west it will allow some cloud to move into eastern areas of the UK.

"In western parts, under largely cloudless skies, temperatures of up to 20C are forecast for Friday.

"High pressure is forecast to remain dominant through the weekend and indeed at the start of next week, meaning a prolonged spell of settled weather for the UK with little in the way of rainfall and plenty of sunshine.

"Temperatures are likely to ease off though.”