Hottest day of the year expected as heatwave predicted for the long weekend
Brits are being instructed to stock up on SPF and stay hydrated as what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far is just around the corner, with a heatwave predicted for the upcoming bumper bank holiday weekend.
After an unusually cool May in the UK, the mercury could rise to a whopping 28 degrees in London on Friday (22 May).
It's been colder than average for most after temperatures dropped in the first week of the month, the Met Office said.
The warm weather returning to England and Wales on Friday is predicted to hang about into next week.
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While clouds and thundery showers could hinder Saturday’s (20 May) heat, if they don't appear, then temperatures could even exceed Friday’s.
If this happens, then a heatwave in the capital city would be possible by Sunday (24 May), according to Met Office operational meteorologist Niamh Murray.
The heatwave threshold for London at this time of year is 28 degrees for three consecutive days in the same location.
"If temperatures hold up on Saturday, we are expected to keep high pressure around into at least the first half of next week, so there is a potential that we may see those thresholds reached by the time we get to Sunday, but… it’s not 100% certain on that yet," Murray said.
The expert added that the stark contrast with the recent cool spell will make the weekend feel much warmer.
And it's not just the Big Smoke, as most of England and Wales, as well as parts of Scotland, will see above-average temperatures.
The east coast could see mid to high 20°Cs, while Wales and western parts of the north of England may reach 25 degrees.
The hottest weather will be in the south-east, particularly around London, and potentially towards East Anglia.
UK-wide highs for this time of year are 15.5°C, and recent temperatures have peaked at about 14 degrees.
The hottest day of the year so far was 26.6°C in Kew Gardens, west London, last month (8 April).
As of today (20 May), the Met Office's forecast for Friday and Saturday reads: "Very warm over the Bank Holiday weekend with plenty of sunshine and light winds. However, some heavy, thundery showers are possible on Saturday and some rain in the northwest."
The BBC reports that the main reason behind the warmer weather is due to a change in the wind direction.
Temperatures were colder last week as the wind was blowing from the north, but this week we see the start of south-westerly winds blowing in from the Atlantic.
As we move further into the week, the wind will be blowing from the south, which is when the mercury will seriously start to climb.
Rhiannon Ingle