The United Kingdom is bracing for rising temperatures in the coming days, with sweltering conditions expected nationwide. The Met Office, BBC, and Sky News have all issued updates regarding the possibility of a heatwave, but they differ on when the hot spell will officially begin.
Conflicting Heatwave Start Dates
The Met Office indicates that the heatwave could commence from Friday, May 22, stating: 'Friday is likely to see temperatures rise further and is likely to see the warmest day of the year so far.' However, the BBC suggests the heatwave could arrive earlier, with most places expected to be dry on Thursday and Friday, reaching up to 28°C (82°F) in south-eastern parts of England.
Sky News, on the other hand, notes a small chance that temperatures could hit 30°C (86°F) over the weekend, which is quite rare for May. Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson echoed the Met Office, identifying Friday as the start date, with temperatures expected to reach 28°C (82.4°F) in parts of the country.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster's Statement
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tony Wisson commented: '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.'
Heatwave Criteria
The Met Office declares a heatwave when the UK experiences three consecutive days of maximum daily temperatures above a specific threshold. According to Netweather TV's Nick Finnis, by Friday temperatures could reach 28°C across eastern England and widely in the low to mid 20s elsewhere, with potential to reach 28°C or higher over the Bank Holiday Weekend, which would meet heatwave criteria.
What to Expect
As the UK approaches the three-day Bank Holiday weekend, the weather will intensify from Friday, May 22. While the exact start date of the heatwave remains uncertain, all forecasts agree that warm and settled conditions are on the horizon, bringing a stark contrast to the recent cooler days.
