Advanced weather modelling maps suggest temperatures could soon rise as high as 25C in some parts of the UK. Temperatures have dropped off this week following some sizzling days last week, when the mercury rose as high as 26C in some parts of England. Thankfully, the data suggests we won’t have to wait too long before balmy conditions return.
Forecast for May 19 and 20
The ECMWF weather model shows temperatures in south-east England could reach 23C on May 19, with highs of 21C possible in East Anglia and 20C in the Midlands. Southern parts of Scotland could reach 19C, but temperatures are expected to be significantly cooler in Northern Ireland and Wales.
On May 20, the maps show temperatures reaching as high as 25C in and around London. The south coast could see 24C highs, while 20C heat could stretch as far north as Yorkshire and Cheshire. Some parts of South Wales might see 21C too.
Temperature Anomalies
Temperature anomaly maps for this period show areas of deep orange and red in southern, eastern and central England, as well as parts of South Wales. This indicates where temperatures are expected to rise well above the seasonal average.
In total, the maps show 34 counties across the UK could see temperatures of 20C or above on May 19 and May 20. Sadly for those in Scotland and Northern Ireland, they are all in either England or Wales.
UK counties facing 20C or above
England
- Yorkshire
- Lancashire
- Cheshire
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Herefordshire
- Derbyshire
- Warwickshire
- Northamptonshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Cambridgeshire
- Gloucestershire
- Worcestershire
- Oxfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Bedfordshire
- Essex
- Kent
- Hertfordshire
- Surrey
- Berkshire
- Hampshire
- Wiltshire
- Dorset
- Somerset
- Devon
- Cornwall
Wales
- Glamorgan
- Monmouthshire
- Carmarthenshire
Met Office Weather Forecast for May
The Met Office says temperatures are likely to be "close to or perhaps a little below normal" during the middle of May. However, they should improve towards the end of the month.
The Met Office forecast for May 12 to 21 states: "Changeable and at times rather unsettled conditions look to dominate through the middle part of May, with low pressure often close by. This means periods of rain or showers, some of which could be heavy, for many places, though some drier interludes are also expected.
"For the most part, temperatures are likely to be close to or perhaps a little below normal, with winds often blowing from a northwesterly quadrant. By the end of this period, pressure may increase towards the southwest, which could bring more in the way of dry weather here."
But, the national weather agency adds: "Temperatures through the latter part of May and into early June may end up being above average overall."
