Temperatures could hit 19C before frost returns next week

Parts of Britain could bask in temperatures of 19C (66.2F) on Friday before the weather turns colder at the weekend with frost expected next week.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge described places in the Midlands such as Hereford as “favoured”, with temperatures that could “possibly even be 19C tomorrow”.

This is just above the 17C-18C (62.6-64.4) expected in many areas on Thursday when Britons should enjoy some “very nice conditions”.

There will be sunny spells from eastern Scotland to northern England, in Wales and the South West. However, where the clouds sticks around, such as in north-west Scotland, it may only be about 11-12C (51.8C-53.6C).

Rain is expected for the north of Scotland on Friday and there is a foggy start forecast for parts of the South West, the Midlands, central and southern England and parts of Wales.

But once the fog lifts, another fine spring day is forecast.

However, a change is on the way at the weekend where it will be much colder in the North, with possible overnight frosts.

Cooler weather will affect areas of northern Scotland, and the mountains could see hale, thunder and snow showers.

The Met Office warned that while the clocks go forward on Mothering Sunday, the temperatures would move the other way.

Mr Madge said commuters and gardeners should be aware that with brighter mornings after the clocks go forward there is an expectation of widespread frost across the UK on Monday and single-figure temperatures.

He said “Anywhere has the potential of seeing frost into Monday and temperatures will be dropping sharply. I am sure it will come as a shock to many people, especially with the changing of the clocks, and it will be more widespread than we have seen for a while.

“April frosts are not unknown by any means but there will be quite heavy frosts for the first few days of April with significant temperature drops overnight and people might be lulled into a false sense of security.”