The UK is set to experience a ‘mini-heatwave’ this week, with temperatures expected to reach a high of 26C in certain parts of England. According to the Met Office, glorious sunshine will prevail for five consecutive days, with Saturday potentially being the hottest day of the year so far. Senior operational meteorologist Amy Bokota predicts that temperatures will gradually increase as the week progresses. However, this heatwave will be short-lived as next week is expected to bring more rain and thunderstorms.
On Saturday, parts of south-east England are projected to reach a maximum temperature of 26C, surpassing this year’s current record of 23.4C in Santon Downham, Suffolk. In general, temperatures across the country will be significantly warmer than their seasonal averages. London will experience daily peaks of 23C to 24C throughout the week, while western England and Wales can expect slightly cooler temperatures of around 20C.
The weather conditions on Thursday and Friday will be sunny and dry for most of the UK, with some scattered showers in the northern regions and heavier rainfall in parts of Scotland. However, this rainfall is expected to move away from Thursday onwards. Scotland and Northern Ireland will also see improvements in weather conditions throughout the week, with Glasgow reaching a high of 22C on Saturday. Other areas in these regions can expect temperatures in the high teens.
The Met Office warns that the sunny weather will bring ‘moderate to high’ UV levels, which can cause sunburn even on cloudy days. They advise people to use sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing, including hats and sunglasses.
Next week, the weather is set to become unsettled, according to the Met Office. Temperatures will cool as an area of low pressure from the Atlantic brings scattered showers and possible thunderstorms, possibly starting as early as Sunday afternoon.
According to Ms Bokota, temperatures will likely reach the high teens, possibly low twenties in some areas, but will be a few degrees cooler than recent days.
As we head into Monday, rain is expected to make a return, with thunderstorms also likely. Despite remaining fairly warm at 20C, temperatures are expected to drop throughout the week.
By Thursday, the forecast predicts a dip in temperature to 17C. The Met Office added that rain and showers will start moving in from the west, due to a developing low pressure system from the Atlantic.
