Temperatures are expected to soar up to 27C in the upcoming days as indicated by weather forecasts, suggesting a four-day heatwave in store for this month.
According to the ECMWF weather model, peak temperatures of 26C are anticipated on the evening of May 22, with the warmest conditions projected just south of London. Regions such as Wales, central England, and the east may also experience temperatures reaching 23C or 24C.
On May 23, weather maps show highs of 27C in the south-east and 26C in the Midlands. Most parts of England below Yorkshire could see temperatures reaching 24C, with South Wales potentially hitting 25C.
The ECMWF model indicates that on May 24, the south coast of England could reach highs of 26C, similar to the West Midlands and neighboring London. Some parts of southern Scotland might experience 22C temperatures around 6pm.
Wrapping up the four-day warm spell on May 25, southern and western regions could witness highs of 25C or higher, with 18 counties likely to experience these temperatures throughout the period.
The Met Office has forecasted a “rather warm” end to May, particularly in southern regions. The outlook for May 17 to 26 mentions a gradual increase in temperatures, potentially becoming warm towards the end of the period, especially in the south.
Whether an official heatwave will occur this month remains uncertain, as it requires temperatures to meet or surpass the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. This threshold varies between 25C and 28C across the UK, with the warmer south-east reaching the higher limit of 28C and decreasing to 25C farther north.