Three Midlands counties are set to miss out on the first UK heatwave of the summer, according to weather forecasts. WX Charts have turned yellow, orange, and red as temperatures are predicted to soar, with highs of 30C expected over the Bank Holiday weekend from Friday, May 22, to Sunday, May 24.
Counties Missing the Heatwave
The forecasts indicate that Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Staffordshire will be spared the extreme highs, meaning many towns and cities in these areas will not experience the heatwave. Towns likely to miss out include Stone, Stoke, Stafford, Cannock, Lichfield, Tamworth, Derby, Matlock, Buxton, Uttoxeter, Nottingham, Beeston, Mansfield, and Swadlincote.
Bank Holiday Weather Outlook
The BBC Weather team predicts that Friday will bring variable cloud and showers in the north and possibly the far west, but dry with sunshine elsewhere. A risk of heavy, thundery downpours moving in from the west overnight into Saturday, with sunshine developing behind this. Sunday is expected to be sunny for most, though cloudier with light rain in the north-west. The Met Office also forecasts turning warmer towards the weekend.
Potential for Dry Summer
Despite recent wet weather, scientists warn that the UK could face a dry summer this year. Hydrologist Dr. Jess Neumann from the University of Reading explains that the rapid swings from floods to droughts are due to more variable rainfall patterns across the UK, as predicted by climate projections. A prolonged lack of rainfall could impact food production, increase water pollutant concentrations, and stress the natural environment and wildlife.
