The Met Office has released a three-month forecast indicating an increased likelihood of heatwave conditions in the UK. This prediction comes after a scorching heatwave in May, where temperatures soared to 35.1C in Kew Gardens, London, marking the hottest May temperature on record.
Weather models are suggesting a return of temperatures above 30C in the middle of this month. The Met Office’s long-range outlook for June, July, and August indicates a higher probability of hot conditions this summer, although near average conditions remain possible.
The forecast attributes the rising chances of heatwaves to the continuous trend of increasing UK temperatures associated with global climate change. MeteoGroup, a provider of weather data to BBC Weather, also anticipates above-average temperatures and potential high temperature spikes over the upcoming months.
For the period of June 8 to June 17, the Met Office forecasts showers or longer bouts of rain, with wetter conditions in the north-west and drier weather in the south-east. Towards the end of this period, higher pressure systems are expected to bring more settled conditions, especially in the south, with temperatures likely to remain near normal.
Looking ahead to June 18 to July 2, the Met Office predicts drier conditions at the start of the period due to high pressure, with the possibility of light showers. Temperatures are expected to be above normal with mostly light winds. Towards the end of June, low pressure may lead to heavy showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the south, accompanied by potentially hot weather in some areas.