As many as 12 counties across the United Kingdom are bracing for scorching temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or more this Bank Holiday weekend, with Sunday and Monday expected to be particularly hot. According to weather maps from the Met Office, large swathes of southern England will experience highs in the high 20s, climbing to 31°C in several cities and towns.
Where Will It Be Hottest?
On Sunday, by 4pm, locations including London, Bromley, Dartford, Slough, Cambridge, Ely, Thetford, Newmarket, and Saffron Walden are all forecast to reach 31°C. The highest temperature recorded in the UK so far this year was 26.6°C at Kew Gardens on April 8, but that record is likely to be broken. Any reading above 29.4°C would be the highest May temperature since 2012, while the all-time May record stands at 32.8°C, according to the Met Office.
Regional Variations
Some exposed coastal areas, particularly in parts of south-west and south-east England, are expected to remain slightly cooler. Further north, temperatures will hover in the mid-20s. Wales will also enjoy warm conditions, with Hay-on-Wye near the English border forecast to see 27°C by Sunday afternoon. In contrast, Northern Ireland and Scotland will be milder, with highs of around 20°C in Belfast, 19°C in Dundee, and 18°C in Glasgow.
Monday Forecast
Monday is likely to follow a similar pattern, though most areas will be a few degrees cooler than Sunday. The Met Office's outlook for Saturday to Monday states: "Some showers Friday night, clearing southeastwards early Saturday. Patchy rain at times in the far northwest, and some coastal mist patches. Otherwise dry. Hot sunshine by day, mostly clear overnight." Its long-range forecast for Monday, May 25, to Wednesday, June 3, adds: "Warm and dry for most on Bank Holiday Monday. Through the week, high pressure is expected to remain in place for much of the UK, meaning fine weather likely to continue for most places. Some patchy rain may affect the far north at times and perhaps a few showers in the far south. Temperatures are expected to be above normal, feeling very warm at times with light winds."
Counties Set to See 30°C on Sunday
- Greater London
- Kent
- Berkshire
- Oxfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Hertfordshire
- Bedfordshire
- Essex
- Cambridgeshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Surrey
Counties Set to See 30°C on Monday
- Greater London
- Kent
- Berkshire
With the mercury set to soar, residents and visitors in these areas are advised to stay hydrated, seek shade during peak hours, and take precautions against the heat. This Bank Holiday weekend could mark the hottest May weather the UK has seen in over a decade.
