The UK heatwave is set to be even hotter than previously anticipated, with forecasters upgrading predictions to a sweltering 32 degrees Celsius. The country is bracing for scorching conditions as a heatwave finally arrives in May.
Revised Forecasts
The Met Office had initially forecast highs of 28C in the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise from Wednesday, May 20 into Thursday, May 21. However, new data from WX Charts indicates that the heatwave will not fully take hold until Thursday, May 28. Despite the delay, the temperatures will be higher than originally thought, reaching up to 32C.
Regional Breakdown
By Wednesday, May 27, the southeast of England is expected to hit 30C, while the Home Counties, London, and other regions will see highs of 29C. The following day, Thursday, May 28, maps show a brighter hue of red, signaling a likely peak of 32C.
Public Response
The prospect of rising temperatures and stifling heat will be welcomed by UK households, who have experienced a lack of early summer sun. May has been notably drab and dreary, with grey skies, downpours, and miserly conditions struggling to reach the mid-teens. Now, the 20C mark will be breached, with the conditions expected to linger for days.
Long-Term Outlook
The ECMWF and GFS modeling systems confirm the rising temperatures. The Met Office's outlook for June 2 to June 16 states: "High pressure is likely to continue to bring fair weather for most at first. Rain and showers are still possible at times, mainly across Northern Ireland and Scotland. As we head towards mid-June, more mixed conditions are likely with spells of rain and showers. Drier weather is expected between any bouts of wetter weather. These drier interludes will tend to last longer across the south and east of England. Temperatures are most likely to be near or slightly above average overall, with some warm or very warm weather possible."
