29/09/2011

Mediterranean Weather 'Ends On Monday'

The very late summer that arrived across many parts of Great Britain this week - and has also brought warmer than normal weather to both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic - is only to last a few more days.

The so-called 'freak weather' experienced again today means yet more record-breaking temperatures.

It is already expected to be the hottest September since 1895 with temperatures today set to reach 28C (82.4F) over the London area.

However, cooler air from the Atlantic will bring the temperature back down by Monday or Tuesday.

Meanwhile, central and eastern England could reach up to 27C (80.6F) today with the hottest place in Britain yesterday being St Helier, in Jersey, where the heat soared to 27.3C (81.1F).

Many parts of the UK will still have warm sunshine for the last few days of September and the start of October and many places can expect unbroken sunshine for the rest of this week, with temperatures well above average for the time of year.

Paul Gundersen, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, said: "Warm southerly winds will bring a spell of fine, sunny autumn weather to most parts of the UK over the next few days.

"We'll see maximum temperatures around ten degrees above normal for late September reaching 25 to 27°C typically and possibly even nudging 28°C on Saturday," he said, adding that the expected cooler Atlantic air will bring the temperature back as next week begins.

Across the Irish Sea, yesterday was the hottest day so far this year and the warmest day ever recorded in late September since records began.

Temperatures in the Phoenix Park in Dublin reached 25.6C. However, the sunny weather seen in some parts of the country over the last few days will be short-lived, with a mixed weekend ahead.

Met Éireann forecaster Pat Clarke said Saturday is likely to be quite wet. However, Sunday is set to be dry and bright.

In Northern Ireland, this week's temperatures of up to 23C look set to end soon too with blue skies this morning later replaced by outbreaks of rain, occasionally heavy at first, and some coastal mist.

The Met Office said overnight rain will turn lighter during Friday morning before dying out and then turning brighter with a little sunshine, with temperatures still as high as 21°C. However, more rain is expected at the weekend.

(BMcC/GK)

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