The United Kingdom is set to experience another sizzling weekend as temperatures continue to climb in what the Met Office describes as a "truly historic spell of May weather." This week saw record-breaking heat, with Kew Gardens reaching 35.1°C on Monday, surpassing its previous station record of 29.3°C and the previous UK May record of 32.8°C.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the Country
Counties including Oxfordshire, Surrey, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire all recorded new maximum temperature records well into the low and mid-30s. In total, 163 weather stations broke their May maximum temperature records, according to the Met Office.
Saturday's Forecast: Sunshine and Highs of 29°C
Saturday will continue to deliver abundant sunshine, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 29°C across England and Wales. The Met Office noted: "What makes this event particularly noteworthy is the combination of very high daytime temperatures and persistently warm nights. Typically in Spring, even during warm spells, overnight temperatures fall sufficiently to provide some relief. In this case, that cooling was limited across many parts of the UK."
Regional Variations: Northern Ireland and Western Scotland
The forecast is slightly different for Northern Ireland and western Scotland, where the weekend will begin with "a much wetter spell," according to Met Office meteorologist Aiden McGiven. However, temperatures will remain mild, reaching highs of 18-20°C across many parts of these regions. Mr. McGiven added: "Sunday will be notably different for England and Wales, with showers across Wales, northern and western England. It will be driest towards the southeast, with temperatures reaching the low 20s. Scotland and Northern Ireland will not be as wet as Saturday, but changeable with a keen breeze, a lot of cloud and some showery rain."
Sunday's Outlook: Milder with Showers
Sunday's outlook is milder, with temperatures hovering in the mid-teens to low 20s across the UK. The Met Office's detailed forecast for the coming days is as follows:
Tonight
Evening showers will slowly clear eastwards. Cloudy with outbreaks of rain affecting parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, otherwise dry with clear spells. Another warm night is expected, particularly in the east.
Friday
Dry with sunny spells for most, however outbreaks of rain will affect the far north, with showers across the southeast, where it will be another very warm day. Cooler elsewhere.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday
A band of rain will gradually spread eastwards over the weekend, introducing fresher and showery conditions. Another band of rain is likely to push eastwards on Monday. Temperatures will be near normal for this time of year.
