Britons may soon experience a significant rise in temperatures, with weather maps indicating a four-day hot spell that could see the mercury climb as high as 27C in some regions. The ECMWF weather model forecasts maximum possible temperatures of 26C on the evening of May 22, with the warmest conditions expected just south of London. However, parts of Wales, central England, and the east could also enjoy temperatures of 23C or 24C.
Temperature Forecast for May 23
On May 23, the weather maps show highs of 27C in the south-east, while the Midlands could reach 26C. Most areas of England south of Yorkshire are predicted to see highs of 24C, and South Wales may hit 25C. The Met Office has indicated that the end of May could be 'rather warm,' especially in southern areas.
Continued Warmth on May 24 and 25
The ECMWF model predicts highs of 26C on the south coast of England on May 24, with similar temperatures expected in the West Midlands and near London. Some parts of southern Scotland could see 22C heat around 6pm. On May 25, which marks the end of the warm spell, highs of 25C are possible in southern and western regions. Over the four days, 18 counties are expected to experience temperatures of 25C or above.
List of Counties Facing 25C or Above
England: Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Dorset, Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire.
Wales: Monmouthshire.
Met Office Forecast for May
The Met Office forecast for May 17 to 26 states: 'As this period progresses, high pressure is likely to begin to build from the south bringing more in the way of settled weather. Temperatures likely cooler than average to begin, but tending to recover as the period progresses, perhaps becoming rather warm by the end of the period, especially in the south.'
When is a Heatwave Declared in the UK?
It remains to be seen whether an official heatwave will be declared this month. An official heatwave is declared when temperatures reach or exceed the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. The threshold varies across the UK, standing at 28C in the south-east of England, where temperatures tend to be warmer, and dropping to 25C further north.
