Brits can look forward to warmer weather returning later this month after a chilly Easter bank holiday weekend threatens to bring temperatures as low as -2C in parts of the UK. While the country has recently basked in spring sunshine, forecasters are warning that conditions are likely to take a sharp turn around the bank holiday on Monday, April 21, with cold air gripping large swathes of northern Britain.

According to WX Charts, the Scottish Highlands are set to see the lowest readings, with towns including Ullapool, Dingwall and Gairloch potentially waking up to -2C. Areas further south like Fort William, Inverness, and the Pennines could see lows between -1C and 0C, with freezing temperatures also forecast for north Wales and parts of northern England including Hexham and Carlisle.

But there is some good news on the horizon.

A new weather map from Netweather shows that just six days later, much of the UK will see a noticeable jump in temperatures.

The data, valid for Sunday, April 27 at 6pm, reveals widespread highs of 14C to 17C across southern England, the Midlands, and parts of Wales.

London, Southampton, and Exeter could see the warmest conditions at 16C or 17C, while places like Cardiff, Birmingham, and Norwich are forecast to enjoy a balmy 15C to 16C.

Even parts of northern England and southern Scotland are expected to reach 13C to 15C, while northern Scotland will sit closer to 10C.

The Met Office has also released its long-range forecast covering April 18 to 27, backing up signs of a more settled spell toward the end of the month.

It said: “Showers or longer spells of rain are likely across many regions, these heavy at times with a risk of hail and thunder, but some drier and brighter interludes are also likely at times.”

Looking further ahead, the forecast adds: “Later in the week settled weather is expected to become more prevalent, with more in the way of dry, sunny weather developing. Temperatures will probably be around normal or slightly above.”