A stretch of cool and unsettled weather across the UK is expected to give way to significantly warmer conditions later this week, with forecasters predicting temperatures could reach 29C in some areas by the weekend.
Meteorologists say the warmer pattern is likely to begin developing from Wednesday, May 20, before peaking on Friday and Saturday during the Bank Holiday weekend. Forecasts also point to drier and sunnier conditions across much of the country after several days of rain and showers.
The change in weather follows a mixed start to May, marked by breezy conditions, heavy showers, and below-average temperatures in several regions. According to the Met Office, the transition toward warmer weather will become more noticeable from Thursday onward, with many areas expected to experience clearer skies and rising temperatures.
BBC Weather reported that a “much warmer few days” are likely to develop during the second half of the week, particularly across southern and eastern parts of the UK where conditions are expected to become drier.
Forecasters Predict Unusually Warm Conditions for Late May
Weather agencies and meteorologists have described the incoming spell as notably warm for this stage of spring. According to Netweather, temperatures and sunshine levels are expected to remain “well above normal” across much of the UK during the final week of May.
The forecaster said rainfall totals are likely to stay below average in most regions, although isolated thundery downpours could still affect parts of southern and southwestern England. Sunshine levels are also forecast to exceed seasonal norms in many areas, with only a few coastal regions expected to remain closer to average.
The Met Office said Friday and Saturday are expected to be “very warm,” although the possibility of rain or thunderstorms has not been ruled out entirely. In its latest outlook, the agency said Thursday would mark the beginning of a drier and brighter pattern after several unsettled days earlier in the week.
Meteorologist Aidan McGivern from the Met Office said the UK would initially continue to see unsettled weather, including heavy downpours and cloud cover, before warmer air becomes more established later in the week. He noted that temperatures would rise gradually, especially in western areas, although conditions earlier in the week may still feel uncomfortable because of persistent rain and wind.
Some forecasts suggest parts of the UK could experience up to nine consecutive days with temperatures reaching 25C or higher before conditions become cooler again in early June.
Tourism Sector Expects Boost From Sunny Bank Holiday Weekend
The warmer forecast has already prompted expectations of increased activity across the UK tourism industry ahead of the three-day Bank Holiday weekend.
According to Eddy Leviten, executive director of the Tourism Alliance, sunny conditions during holiday periods can have a direct effect on businesses that depend heavily on visitor spending. He said warmer weather typically leads to busier attractions, increased hotel occupancy, and more visitors at coastal resorts, heritage sites, and town centers.
Leviten said tourism currently supports 2.4 million jobs across the UK, adding that a dry and warm weekend would likely provide a welcome increase in trade for many businesses across the country.
The latest five-day forecast from the Met Office indicates that Tuesday and Wednesday will still bring showers, cloud, and breezy conditions to several regions. Heavy showers with hail and thunder remain possible before clearer and warmer weather begins to spread later in the week.
According to forecasters, the settled pattern may continue into early June, although conditions are expected to become somewhat cooler and more changeable after the end of May.
