Weather forecasting models suggest temperatures could rise to 29C on bank holiday Monday – the Met Office says ‘fine and dry conditions’ are likely coming to the UK
Maximum possible temperatures (C) at 6pm on May 23(Image: WX CHARTS)
Temperatures could surge to 29C in some parts of the UK over the upcoming bank holiday, advanced weather forecasting maps suggest.
The ECMWF weather model shows the mercury could reach 27C in and around London next Saturday, with highs of 25C possible in East Anglia and 22C coming in the Midlands. Conditions are then expected to get warmer as the extended weekend progresses.
On the Sunday, the maps show highs of 28C coming in the south-east of England, with London again set to rise the highest. Highs of 24C or 25C are expected across most of southern and central England.
Maximum possible temperatures (C) at 6pm on May 24(Image: WX CHARTS)
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The bank holiday Monday looks set to be the warmest of the three days. The ECMWF model shows maximum possible temperatures of 29C in southern and eastern England. Highs of 25C could reach as far north as Lincolnshire.
Sadly for people in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the model suggests temperatures there will struggle to reach 20C. Highs of 22C or 23C are possible in parts of Wales though.
Maximum possible temperatures (C) at 6pm on May 25(Image: WX CHARTS)
In total, the data suggests 19 counties in England could see temperatures of 25C or above across the extended bank holiday weekend.
Counties facing 25C or above over bank holiday weekendStaffordshireWarwickshireLeicestershireLincolnshireNottinghamshireSuffolkNorfolkCambridgeshireHertfordshireEssexKentSurreySussexBuckinghamshireOxfordshireBedfordshireWiltshireHampshireBerkshire
Areas of deep red show where temperatures will rise well above the seasonal average on May 25(Image: WX CHARTS)
Met Office weather forecast for May
The Met Office says high pressure from the south could “quickly start to build” as we head towards the bank holiday weekend, bringing “fine and dry conditions” as well as rising temperatures.
“Thereafter, high pressure is expected to broadly remain the dominant influence across much of the UK, with spells of fine weather,” the Met Office adds in its forecast for May 20 to May 29.
“Low pressure will be positioned to the north, and will at times allow some rain or showers to cross the country. Overall across the period, temperatures are expected to be above normal with winds often light for many.”
Is the UK facing an official heatwave?
An official heatwave is declared by the Met Office when temperatures reach or exceed the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. The heatwave threshold varies from 25C to 28C across parts of the UK.
It stands at 28C in the south-east of England where temperatures tend to be warmer, and drops to 25C further north. So even if temperatures reach 29C on one day, an official heatwave may not be declared.