New UK weather maps have revealed the exact dates when temperatures of 20C or above are set to hit 35 areas across England and Wales, with balmy highs of 24C possible in some parts.
Four-Day Sunshine Spell
According to the Met Office, conditions this week will be largely miserable, but new weather maps suggest the mercury could rise next week in a four-day spell starting on Thursday, May 21. Highs of 23C are possible in the south-east of England, while temperatures of 20C could be seen across much of central England.
On Friday, May 22, weather maps indicate highs of 24C in the south-east, including London. Other southern parts of England could rise to 22C, while 21C is possible in central England.
On Saturday, May 23, highs of 23C in southern England are predicted, along with 21C in the Midlands. Northern Ireland and Scotland look to be slightly cooler, while some parts of Wales could see temperatures rise to about 20C.
Best Day for Widespread Heat
The ECMWF model suggests Sunday, May 24 will be the best day for widespread heat, with highs of 23C possible across huge parts of England. According to the maps, 35 counties in England and Wales could see temperatures of 20C or above across the four days.
The Met Office's forecast suggests temperatures could turn 'rather warm' towards the end of this month, but we can expect 'cooler than average' conditions before then.
Met Office Forecast
In its forecast for May 16 to May 25, the Met Office said: "Changeable and at times rather unsettled conditions look to dominate through the middle part of May, with low pressure often close by. This means periods of rain or showers, some of which could be heavy, for many places, though some drier interludes are also expected. Initially temperatures likely cooler than average, but tending to recover, perhaps becoming rather warm by the end of the period as it tends to become more settled, especially in the south."
UK Counties Facing 20C or Above
The following counties in England and Wales are expected to experience temperatures of 20C or higher: England: Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Herefordshire, Derbyshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall. Wales: Flintshire, Denbighshire, Montgomeryshire, Monmouthshire.
