New maps finally show four-day mini-heatwave as mercury ramps up to 22c

Britain basking in balmy conditions could become a reality soon as a mini-heatwave brings bright sunshine and warmer temperatures in a matter of days. Weather maps from netweather.tv and

WXCharts appear to forecast a sustained period of sunny weather between May 3 and May 6 looking into next month. Temperatures, especially for the south and east of England, could hover

between 18 and 22C for several days potentially turning the south coast into a Costa del Sol. The cause of the warmer weather is an area of high pressure, a system that usually brings drier

brighter conditions, which is heading towards the UK from Friday May 3. Maps show a north-south divide with those in southern England and Wales expecting warmer temperatures than those in

Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England. In the immediate future a divided weather picture appears to be on the way as rain, and even transient snow, could be heading to the UK this

weekend, April 27 and April 28. But at least the longer-range forecasts offer some hope to Britons hoping to get out the shades and suncream at some point this year. Weather expert Jim Dale,

whose book Surviving Extreme Weather: The Complete Climate Change Preparedness Manual is out this week, told Express.co.uk Britain was "overdue" a period of sunny weather. Mr Dale

said:"It may not last, but will be welcome if it evolves as currently seen. Temperatures will be ranging from 18-22C, with room yet for higher. The rains and cooler temperatures may

have been a blessing in disguise as we push on into summer." A statement from the Met Office also offered some optimism, with the weather agency saying "it is worth noting that

average temperatures themselves rise by around 1C per week at this time of year". Looking at the first few days of next month, the national forecaster added: "Into early May,

something of a north-south split looks possible, with relatively drier conditions further to the north and the greatest chance of rain further to the south."   TUESDAY: Cloudy in the

southeast with outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Largely dry elsewhere with increasing sunny spells through the day. Chilly on the east coasts with a brisk northerly wind. OUTLOOK FOR WEDNESDAY

TO FRIDAY: Western areas largely dry over the coming days with sunny spells. Sunshine and showers in eastern areas. Pleasant in the sunshine, chilly around coastal areas at times with brisk

winds.