The United Kingdom is set to experience an 'unusual' heatwave in the coming days, with temperatures finally rising after a colder start to May. According to the BBC Weather team, a heatwave in the UK is defined by the Met Office as at least three consecutive days where daily maximum temperatures exceed a county-specific threshold. This reflects unusually hot weather for this time of year.
Heatwave Thresholds and Forecast
The heatwave threshold varies across the UK, ranging from 25°C in Northern Ireland to 28°C in southern England. The BBC suggests that a few locations could meet the heatwave definition on Friday, May 22, Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24. Currently, counties such as Herefordshire and Worcestershire appear most likely to reach these conditions.
Temperature Outlook
Temperatures will remain near normal for most areas but will turn warmer in the east from Wednesday into Thursday, the Met Office reports. By Friday, temperatures are expected to rise further, likely making it the warmest day of the year so far. The Met Office forecasts 28°C in southeast England and London by the end of the week.
Expert Comments
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tony Wisson stated: 'The weather later this week will feel like a marked contrast from recent days, with warm, fine and settled weather for many. While the warmth will persist through the Bank Holiday weekend, conditions will turn more unsettled later Friday and into Saturday, with a mix of cloud, showers and longer spells of rain. There is also the chance of thundery rain in places. Nonetheless, temperatures should remain warm or very warm through Saturday and into Sunday, with highs around 26°C in the south across the weekend and into next week.'
The BBC adds: 'The good news is that it still looks warm for many places with temperatures 20-26 Celsius over the long weekend. But it may not be dry everywhere.'
