The Met Office has identified the counties most likely to experience the first heatwave of the year, as England prepares for soaring temperatures in the run-up to the bank holiday on Monday. The UK is set to enjoy temperatures in the low-to-mid-20s, with the southeast expected to be the hottest region.
Southeast England set to sizzle
The Met Office forecasts point to the southeast as the area most likely to see the highest temperatures. The counties in this region include Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and Sussex. Forecasters predict that from Thursday onwards, temperatures could rise above average, approaching 20°C in southern areas, and potentially reaching the mid-20s by the bank holiday weekend.
Forecasters' insights
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth stated: "From Thursday onwards, temperatures could rise above average, approaching 20C for some across southern areas. We could be closer to the mid-20s, possibly, for some areas, in the South East, by the bank holiday weekend." Craig Snell, another Met Office forecaster, added: "Temperatures at the start of the week are still a little subdued for the time of the year; as we head towards the weekend, we are expecting to see a change."
Detailed weather outlook
For Wednesday, May 20, the Met Office predicts largely cloudy conditions at first, with some brighter spells developing later. A few spots of rain are possible where the cloud thickens, mainly over western hills. The outlook for Thursday to Saturday, May 21-23, indicates a shift to drier, brighter, and warmer weather. Friday and Saturday are expected to be very warm, though some rain or thundery showers may occur at times.
Sky News forecaster Jo Robinson commented: "Friday and Saturday look to be the warmest days, with temperatures reaching the mid to high twenties across England and Wales, peaking at around 28C in the south. Nights will be noticeably warmer too, a big contrast to the chilly and locally frosty conditions we've seen recently. There's a slight possibility we might set a new record for the highest minimum temperature in May, if somewhere manages to stay above 18.9C overnight."
