The United Kingdom is bracing for a 22C scorcher during the upcoming May bank holiday weekend, with weather maps indicating that 21 counties across the country—including Surrey, Greater London, and Kent—will bask in glorious sunshine. According to WXCHARTS weather maps produced on 23 April using Met Desk data, much of the UK is poised for a mini heatwave, with temperatures peaking at 22C in some areas.
Temperatures on the Rise
Forecasters anticipate that temperatures will begin to soar in the coming days, reaching their peak over the bank holiday weekend. While the week has been dry with average temperatures—15C recorded in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, and just 11C in Durham—the picture is changing rapidly. The weather maps have turned yellow and orange, suggesting that many areas will soon experience temperatures of 20C and above.
The warm period is expected to begin at midday on Sunday, May 3, with the highest temperatures concentrated in the Southeast of England, particularly around Greater London, Kent, and Surrey. Southern England will see highs of 20C, while the Midlands will reach 19C, as will Yorkshire and the Humber. Vast areas of the Southwest, including Bath, Somerset, and Bristol, will see the mercury hit 18C.
Bank Holiday Monday Forecast
By 6pm on May 3, temperatures are expected to climb even higher. Londoners can enjoy a sunny afternoon with highs of 22C, while Surrey will be a balmy 21C. Essex and Kent could see a pleasant 20C, and temperatures in Wiltshire, Berkshire, Bristol, Gloucester, and Hampshire may settle between 19C and 20C. The Midlands will also benefit from mild conditions, with 20C anticipated, and parts of West Yorkshire, including Leeds, may experience sunny spells with highs of 20C.
However, northern England will be less fortunate, with temperatures only forecast to reach 14C, while Scotland could see lows of 10C. In Wales, the southern regions will be mildest at 18C, while west Wales will only reach 13C.
Looking ahead to 6pm on May 4, bank holiday Monday, the pleasant conditions will persist for millions. The Southwest will enjoy a glorious 20C, and the Midlands will hover around 19C. Unfortunately, Scotland will only experience temperatures of 4C, and Wales will settle at approximately 13C.
Met Office Long-Range Forecast
The Met Office long-range forecast for April 28 to May 7 states: "High pressure is likely to remain centred close to or over the UK through the remainder of April and into early May. This means a continuation of the predominantly dry conditions, likely with a mixture of some cloudier spells and sunnier days. For the most part, rain-bearing weather systems should be kept at bay, though the far west and northwest may see a little rain at times, although late in the period perhaps an increasing chance of these coming closer into the UK. Winds will be mostly light, but may be fresher around the coasts at times. For most, temperatures will continue above normal, though it will feel cooler along windward coasts in particular."
Full List of 21 Hottest Counties
- Greater London
- Kent
- Surrey
- East Sussex
- West Sussex
- Essex
- Hampshire
- Berkshire
- Oxfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Hertfordshire
- Bedfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Suffolk
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Warwickshire
- Leicestershire
