UK weather review: April 2018

April was warmer than average for most places of the UK. The month started with cold, wet and windy conditions continuing the weather pattern dominant in March. From mid-April, high pressure near the UK brought warm spells of air from the south. The hottest day in April since 1949 was recorded at St James's Park in London on 19 April reaching a maximum temperature of 29.1 °C. However, sunshine levels remained below average except in Scotland. From 22 April unsettled colder weather returned and temperatures dropped towards the end of the month again. Heavy rain and strong winds spread across southeast England for the last two days of the month.

The UK mean temperature was 8.4 °C, which was 1.0 °C above the long-term reference period 1981-2010. Rainfall was 115 % of average, but Scotland experienced drier than average conditions. Sunshine was 91 % of average.

UK Weather Averages: April 2018 (Source: Met Office)