The Met Office has identified which areas of the UK may be affected by a heatwave this week, following the hottest May on record. Temperatures could climb to 28°C or higher in the south and southeast by Thursday.
Weather Outlook for the Week
After an unsettled start to June, large parts of the UK could see a return of warm weather toward the end of the week. However, forecasters also warn of possible thunderstorms and rain showers. The north west has yet to see consistent warm weather this month, but the south is expected to heat up significantly.
Met Office Statement
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick explained that high pressure building across the country will bring warm and humid conditions. She stated: "Throughout the week things are heating up in the south and South East. We’ve got high pressure starting to build and there’s a warm plume moving up through continental Europe."
She added: "Whether or not it’ll be a heatwave remains to be seen as there’s still a lot to play for, but things are certainly turning a lot warmer, if not maybe even hot, by the end of the week, although this is mostly confined to the South East. Other areas will warm up, but it’s also very humid so they are likely to be cloudy, with rain and showers."
By Thursday, London could see temperatures around 28°C, pushing into the high 20s.
Possibility of Heatwave Moving North
The Met Office noted that warmer weather could also arrive in the north west, with "some drier, warmer and brighter interludes" possible. However, the hot conditions may return northwards accompanied by a thunderstorm risk, depending on the orientation of the high pressure.
