Britain could be in for its hottest weather of the year this weekend, with temperatures of up to 26 degrees Celsius. May's first bank holiday weekend saw widespread rainfall across the UK. However, the last few days have seen a remarkable change in the weather.
The Met Office is forecasting a continuation of warm, dry weather into the weekend, in stark contrast to the wet weather that preceded it. In particular, the forecasts highlight the likelihood of record temperatures in parts of south-east England.
The temperature is expected to reach a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius on Saturday, surpassing the previous record set in 2022, which has weather enthusiasts excited.
Regional Variations
London is expected to reach daily highs of 23 to 24 degrees Celsius for the rest of the week, with slightly cooler temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius expected in parts of western England and Wales.
According to the forecaster, Thursday and Friday will be sunny and dry across most of the UK, with some isolated showers in northern areas and heavier rainfall in northern parts of Scotland, which is expected to move away on Thursday.
Conditions in Scotland and Northern Ireland are also set to improve throughout the week. For instance, Glasgow is expected to see maximum temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while other localities will reach the tens of degrees.
, senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, gave an overview of how the weather will develop. She said, "It has already been quite warm, but as we move through the week I expect temperatures to gradually increase each day."
Unsettled Weather Expected Over the Coming Week
However, the warm and dry conditions are only temporary, as disturbed weather is forecast for next week, says the Met Office, as temperatures fall and a low-pressure area off the Atlantic Ocean brings scattered showers and potential thunderstorms from Sunday afternoon.
We’ll likely see highs return to the high teens, perhaps low twenties in a few spots, but certainly a few degrees lower.
This warm weather comes in stark contrast to the end of the bank holiday weekend, when the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms in parts of the UK.
Check out the 4cast for Friday below ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/7DHVdlGPTY
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 9, 2024
Tomorrow and Weekend Weather Forecast
According to the Met Office, weather forecasts for each region of the UK will be as follows:
London and South East
- Friday: Warm and sunny conditions with a lot of hazy sunshine. The weather will remain generally dry and clear. Temperature up around 24°C.
- Saturday and Sunday: Mostly dry and warm, with sunny spells on Saturday. Possibility of showers on Sunday afternoon, locally heavy.
South West
- Friday: It's going to be another dry day with plenty of sunshine. Very hot under the sun. Temperature rising to 22°C.
- Saturday and Sunday: Warm, sunny and calm on Saturday, with a risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms on Sunday.
North East
- Friday: Once again a warm and sunny day with lots of cloudy sunshine. A few showers in the afternoon. Maximum temperature of 21°C.
- Saturday and Sunday: Mainly dry and warm, but a chance of showers on Sunday. Possibility of mist and fog early in the day.
Midlands
- Friday: Clear and sunny with a chance of showers in the afternoon. Very hot. Maximum temperature of 23°C.
- Saturday and Sunday: A hot and sunny Saturday, with a risk of thundery showers on Sunday.
Scotland
- Friday: A sunny, dry day with cloudy skies. Temperature rising to 20°C.
- Saturday and Sunday: Predominantly dry and warm on Saturday, with a risk of thundery showers on Sunday.
Wales
- Friday: Hot and dry with many sunny spells. Extremely hot. Maximum temperature of 23°C.
- Saturday and Sunday: Bright and sunny, with a few showers on Saturday.