Us Brits are always longing for a piping hot dose of sunshine, seeing as warmth accounts for approximately 1% of Ol’ Blighty’s meteorological make up.
And while a £20, two-hour Ryanair flight guarantees scorching temperatures during the summer months, for the rest of the year, we’re faced with 10-hour-plus long haul flights at eye-watering sums in our quest for warmth.
Cue Cape Verde: the scattering of islands less than six hours from the UK that boasts hot weather all year round and means our days of forking out far too much money and time in the name of sunshine are firmly in the past.
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Cape Verde sits approximately 500km off West Africa’s coast and is a former Portuguese colony.
Sal, one of the islands nearest to the UK, has shaped up to be one of Cape Verde’s most popular islands over the years, thanks to its crystal clear waters and pristine sandy beaches.
Average highs here hit 24ºC in December and 30ºC in September, so you’ll want to leave sufficient suitcase space for suncream whatever time of year you swing by.
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Writing recently in The Sun, Caroline McGuire detailed her sun-drenched trip to the popular holiday destination, and her itinerary included everything from swimming with sharks to kite-surfing.
All that said, there’s no need to go scurrying off quite yet, seeing as we’re on track for a summer jam-packed with heatwaves here in Britain.
You heard right, the Met Office’s new three-month outlook predicts sunshine a’plenty, so you might want to stock up on tinnies and get that barbecue prepped.
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The Met’s report, published earlier this month, states: “There is an increase in the likelihood of warmer-than-average conditions in the month ahead.
“Predictions are consistent in suggesting an increase in the likelihood of temperatures being above average overall.
“While this doesn’t necessarily mean heatwaves will occur, it does increase the likelihood of heatwaves compared to normal.”
Speaking to the Daily Star after the outlook’s release, James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said: “There is now the potential for a major spell of warm weather to develop during the latter part of May or early June.”
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The Met Office’s forecast for 5 to 14 May read: "Winds are generally light, with the chance of some stronger winds in the north. Into the weekend, cloudy conditions with the risk of rain in the north and northwest. Elsewhere mostly dry with sunny spells and a few showers.
"Into the following week generally settled conditions should prevail in the south, whereas in the north, conditions are more changeable. Temperatures are likely to be around or above average throughout, but cooler towards the north and near coasts."
Topics: Travel
Aisha Nozari