Met Office weather forecasters suggest parts of the UK could see 28C on Friday – which looks likely to be the hottest day of the year – but even warmer conditions may follow
The UK looks set for the hottest day of the year so far on Friday, with temperatures expected to climb to 28C.
The Met Office says the warm spell will arrive just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend following cooler weather and an unsettled start to the week. The current record for this year was set on April 8 when Kew Gardens hit 26.6C – but that could soon be beaten, with the Met Office forecasting London will reach 27C on Friday and possibly 30C over the weekend.
Other parts of England and Wales are also expected to feel the heat. Manchester could see highs of 29C by Sunday while Bristol and Swansea could reach 28C and 27C respectively.
READ MORE: UK weather maps show Brits facing 31C heat blast as 30 counties hit 28CREAD MORE: Brits face 30C heat surge as weather maps show 24 areas hitting 25C – full list
Sky News weather producer Jo Robinson was slightly more cautious about the mercury hitting the 30s this weekend. She said there is a “small chance” that temperatures could reach 30C in some areas – something she noted is “quite rare for May”.
However, if the mercury doesn’t reach the 30C mark this weekend, we shouldn’t have to wait too long before it does. The GFS weather model suggests temperatures could surge as high as 32C on June 3.
The warmest conditions should come in the south-east as per usual, although the north-west and parts of Yorkshire could also rise to 30C. Parts of southern Scotland could reach 27C, with 26C coming in Wales and 25C in Northern Ireland, according to the maps.
Temperature anomaly maps show the whole country covered in areas of deep red and orange for June 3. This indicates where temperatures are expected to rise well above the seasonal average.
Met Office weather forecast for this week
In its outlook for Thursday to Saturday this week, the Met Office says: “Turning drier, brighter and warmer through Thursday. Very warm on Friday and Saturday, although some rain or thundery showers are possible at times.”
Tony Wisson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said many parts of the country will enjoy “warm, fine and settled weather” that will continue through to Sunday and Monday.
He added: “There is also the chance of thundery rain in places. Nonetheless, temperatures should remain warm or very warm through Saturday and into Sunday.”
