Brits are being warned to expect a hot bank holiday weekend
The Met Office has said that Brits can expect an “exceptional spell” of warm weather this weekend as the UK is set for a bank holiday heatwave. The forecast follows a period of cooler weather for most of May, which is expected to come to an end this week.
The weather agency has predicted temperatures could soar as we approach the end of the week, with potential for some parts of the UK to see highs in excess of 30C. In a post on X – formerly Twitter – the Met Office wrote: “It’s been a cool May – so far. That’s set to change quite dramatically over the coming days.
“A prolonged period of very warm weather is now increasingly likely. Temperatures will rise to well above average for May with the hottest spots possibly exceeding 30 Celsius.”
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A graphic posted on the social media platform shows the temperature difference compared with averages for the month. It shows a temperature of more than nine degrees from Friday, through to Sunday, across large parts of the UK, including areas of Greater Manchester towards the end of the week.
With most of the country set to see a hot bank holiday weekend, Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson has suggested that Brits should prepare for an “exceptional spell” of warm weather. He said: “A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK.
“High pressure will be in charge of the UK’s weather over the bank holiday weekend and this should bring fine and settled conditions to most areas. The exception will be parts of northwestern Scotland where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times. There is also a small risk of some thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday.”
Current Met Office temperature maps forecast parts of the UK to see highs of around 27C on Friday (May 22), with highs of 28C predicted for Saturday (May 23). Temperatures could increase further to 29C on Sunday (May 24), with the Met Office suggesting highs in excess of 30C could be possible on bank holiday Monday (May 25).
Issuing an outlook on the potential for the UK to see a heatwave, Mr Wolverson added: “Heatwave thresholds – defined as three consecutive days at or above a set temperature – are likely to be reached in parts of the UK from Sunday, most likely in southeastern England. Into next week, these conditions are expected to become more widespread, extending across central and western England and into parts of Wales, as temperatures remain well above average.”
However, with warm temperatures expected for the weekend, Brits are being to plan ahead for hot conditions. RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said: “With the weather set to transition from cold to hot as the bank holiday approaches, we’re going to see a lot more traffic on the roads – and with that comes the risk of many more vehicles breaking down in the heat.
“Before setting out on a long journey, motorists should make sure that their car is summer-ready. One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.”
Nick Giles OBE, MD Leisure, Ordnance Survey added: “With a long weekend looming, and warm weather forecast, it seems the perfect opportunity to set out on an adventure on foot – equipped for the Great British weather, of course. At OS, we want to make the outdoors enjoyable, accessible and safe. I would urge anyone going on an adventure to plan ahead, including checking weather forecasts, their kit, food and drink, and please take a map or the OS Maps app.”
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