The UK is set to experience an unusual heatwave, with forecasters predicting days of temperatures reaching 29C or higher. The weather is expected to intensify from Wednesday, May 20, and persist into early June, marking a significant shift from the cold and tepid start to the month.
Extended Period of Warm Weather
Some forecasts indicate that the UK could see nine consecutive days of temperatures at or above 25C, peaking around 29C. This would constitute the first heatwave of the summer, following a relatively cool first half of May. Netweather has predicted that sunshine levels will be "well above normal" across most regions.
Rainfall and Sunshine Predictions
Forecasters state: "Rainfall is forecast to be below normal almost everywhere, although it may end up near normal or locally above normal in parts of the south and south-west where thundery downpours contribute locally high totals. It may be relatively close to normal in north-west Scotland, but still likely falling below normal overall."
"Sunshine totals are expected to be well above normal in most regions, with the only likely exceptions being parts of south-west England and some eastern coasts, where they may be near to slightly above normal."
Outlook into Early June
The weather is expected to remain quite dry and settled into early June, with high pressure moving out to the west of Britain, according to Netweather.
Met Office Commentary
Aidan McGivern from the Met Office commented: "We've been advertising warmer weather for later this week - but it's not exactly warm or hot just yet. More unsettled weather will arrive initially this week, with some heavy downpours and in between sunny spells, it will turn cloudy."
"Temperatures will be higher - especially in western parts - but it won't feel particularly pleasant. Courtesy of the low pressure, there will be more persistent and heavy spells of rain overnight. The rain turns heavy by midnight with a wind picking up and north east Scotland avoids it through the night, but it will be increasingly cloudy."
He added: "A milder night with many places staying in double figures but it will be a wet start to Tuesday."
