UK weather forecasting maps indicate that widespread rain could bring an end to the heatwave expected to push temperatures as high as 33°C over the extended Bank Holiday weekend. The Met Office anticipates temperatures rising to 33°C, with some models even suggesting 35°C is possible in the coming days. However, the latest maps show rain moving in from the Atlantic on the evening of May 31, bringing showers to all 92 counties across the UK.
Rain Arrives from the Atlantic
The ECMWF weather model predicts rain sweeping in from the Atlantic on May 31, initially hitting western parts of Wales and England, as well as central and southern Scotland. The heaviest showers are expected in these areas before the rain tracks eastward across the UK. By midday on June 1, maps show showers falling in the Midlands and the south-east, including London.
Second Front on June 2
A second weather front is forecast to move across southern and central regions on June 2. Midday maps indicate Wales, central England, and the south engulfed by rain, with the heaviest downpours hitting the capital. Over the three days, the weather maps suggest rain could impact each of the UK’s 92 counties.
Record-Breaking Heat Before the Rain
Before the rain arrives, the Met Office warns of record-breaking temperatures over the Bank Holiday weekend. The current May temperature record is 32.8°C, but the mercury is expected to reach at least 33°C on Monday. The Met Office predicts highs of 31°C in southern areas this afternoon, 32°C on Saturday, 33°C on Monday, followed by 32°C on Tuesday and 28°C on Wednesday. This could lead to six consecutive days of heatwave conditions after temperatures rose above 28°C in the south yesterday.
Heat Health Alerts Issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health alerts across the UK. Five regions—East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, and South East—are under an amber alert until May 27. The amber alerts warn: "Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures." The rest of the English regions are under yellow alerts.
