Leeds can look forward to basking in the sunshine as temperatures are set to increase this week to highs of 18°C.
Forecasters at the Met Office have said there will be “plenty of sunny spells to come and temperatures will rise a little bit” in the week ahead.
After what had been a dry and sunny couple of days at the end of last week and over the weekend, the warmest day of the year so far was recorded in Kinlochewe in Highlands of Scotland on Saturday, when temperatures hit 20.2°C and beat the previous highest temperature of the year, 17.5°C, which was recorded in the village of Wiggonholt in West Sussex on Friday.
Image: Jonny Gios, Unsplash
Highs of 18°C are expected in Leeds on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Most of England is then predicted to stay at around 17°C or 18°C throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend – which will be warmer than the average for the end of March – but according to forecasters, the north of the UK is more realistically predicted to see highs of between 9°C and 12°C.
Here's a forecast for the weather for the week ahead: dry and bright by day, cold and frosty by night pic.twitter.com/vVZsv15vLR
Temperatures are expected to remain above average into next weekend, but will then drop slightly during the final few days of March.
But why are we getting this uncharacteristic warm weather? What is the reason for it?
Well, according to Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst, the warm conditions are due to the jet stream tracking to the north of the UK, which is letting high pressure dominate from the east.
He said: “This week is going to be very similar. We’re going to keep high pressure just to the east of the UK and that means it will be largely dry and settled with plenty of sunny spells.
“There is the odd exception, there could just be an isolated shower across the Midlands on Monday, perhaps northern England on Tuesday, but they’re going to be very isolated and most places will be dry and sunny.”
Featured Image – Gary Butterfield, Unsplash
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
The Hoot -
21st March 2022 
