The United Kingdom is bracing for a scorching bank holiday weekend as temperatures are expected to climb to 26 degrees Celsius in several counties, according to the Met Office.
Warmth Returns After Unsettled Week
Following a period of unsettled conditions and below-average temperatures, the sun is set to bring considerable warmth in time for the long weekend. Residents across England can anticipate the mercury reaching at least 20 degrees Celsius by the weekend, with those in central and eastern areas enjoying highs of up to 26 degrees Celsius.
However, forecasters are predicting some rain as the warmer weather introduces humidity, particularly in northern England and Scotland.
Thursday and Friday: Rising Temperatures
Temperatures are expected to rise from Thursday, with highs of 22 degrees Celsius in the southeast of England and 20 degrees Celsius widely across the Midlands and north of England. Conditions will be slightly cooler in coastal areas, but most regions will experience warm and dry weather.
On Friday, the weather is forecast to turn increasingly warm and humid. Temperatures could reach 26 degrees Celsius in Greater London and Cambridgeshire, and between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius across large swathes of England. The southeast can expect strong sunshine, while conditions will be cloudier in the north.
Bank Holiday Weekend: Sunshine and Warmth
As the bank holiday weekend begins, much of the country will see sunshine as temperatures remain warm but dip slightly on Saturday. Forecasters predict highs of 24 degrees Celsius in the southeast, with the mercury climbing to between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius across the rest of England.
Sunday is expected to bring pleasant weather again, with temperatures soaring back to 26 degrees Celsius in Greater London and 25 degrees Celsius elsewhere in the southeast. Highs of 21 to 25 degrees Celsius are forecast across the rest of the UK, with clear sunshine lasting for most of the day.
Bank holiday Monday will deliver beautiful, warm conditions for much of England, with highs of 25 degrees Celsius in the south and slightly cooler temperatures in the north.
Outlook for Next Week
Forecasters say conditions will remain warm and sunny for much of the following week. The Met Office stated: "Through the following week, high pressure is expected to broadly remain in place for much of the UK, and fine weather is likely to continue for most of the country. There may be occasions where low pressure to the north may bring some brief spells of rain across northern parts, but in general fair weather will dominate. Temperatures are expected to be above normal, feeling very warm at times with light winds."
