Last week saw record temperatures across many parts of the UK, with one of the hottest April days in the last 80 years recorded. 7F) was measured at Kew Gardens in south-west London on Wednesday, marking the hottest day in the first half of April since 1946. London was hotter than popular holiday destinations like Ibiza, Rome, and Marrakech during this period.
This heatwave was followed by a sudden drop in temperatures by as much as 10C. In southern England, spring has arrived notably early this year, with RHS Garden Wisley seeing cherry blossom, magnolias, and tulips in full flower at least two weeks ahead of usual. Colourful tulips, hyacinths, wisteria, and daffodils have made a remarkable display across England after the heatwave and cold snap created excellent conditions for spring blooms.
In contrast, signs of spring are only just beginning to emerge in northern gardens at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and RHS Garden Bridgewater, where temperatures have remained cooler, slowing the season's progress. Gardeners were concerned that flowers in nurseries being grown for spring and summer flower shows may be coming out early and be spent by the time the shows come around. However, the colder weather has slowed down the early blooming, meaning prize blooms should be safe for the shows.
The UK could be in for an explosion of spring colour over the next two weeks as warmer conditions bring flowers rapidly into bloom. The Royal Horticultural Society is predicting that mild weather, rising temperatures, and some sunshine will lead to colourful displays as daytime highs are forecast to reach double figures and night-time temperatures stay above 5C.