The UK is set to swelter at the start of May, with temperatures expected to reach 20C before long. Radars from WX Charts and Netweather show sunny conditions for much of the country on May 9 and 10.
Some may find it so pleasant, they may think it’s a mini-heatwave. However, it’s important to note that although things are expected to be warm next week, the temperature will be far from a heatwave.
According to the Met Office, a “UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold”. Each county has its own temperature threshold, which must be exceeded to constitute a heatwave.
It may be 20C in and around London on the afternoon of May 9, whereas elsewhere in the England, Wales and Northern Ireland temperatures will hover between 13C and 18C.
In Scotland however things will be decidely cooler, with temperatures between 8C and 12C.
It’s a similar picture on May 10, except the warmest areas will be found in western England and Wales, rather than the south-east.
Bristol and Cardiff may see temperatures reaching 19C, with most of the rest of the country around 15C or 16C.
Meanwhile north of the border things will be warmer than the day before. The mercury will be around 18C in the south-west of the country and 13C in the north.
It is worth noting that the Met Office does not specify temperatures so far in advance, as their experts do not believe it is accurate to do so.
Today:
Early thundery rain across southern England and south Wales easing. Some bright spells developing, although further thundery showers may develop later. Some warm sunshine elsewhere, but chilly around North Sea coasts where there could be some low cloud.
Tonight:
Areas of rain over the southern half of the UK spread west with the risk of thunderstorms. Dry elsewhere with low cloud reforming in some northern and eastern parts.
Friday:
Cloudy with some heavy showers across central parts which can be thundery. Mainly dry with sunny spells across north Scotland, Northern Ireland and the southwest. Temperatures just above average.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Remaining unsettled for the bank holiday. Rain at times, with heavy showers but sunnier spells from time to time. Temperatures generally above average way from cloud and rain.
