The United Kingdom is bracing for a significant temperature drop next week, following the hottest May day on record, according to Met Office maps. After a scorching bank holiday weekend that saw temperatures provisionally reach 35C at Heathrow and Kew Gardens in London on Tuesday, the national weather service warns of a 'more changeable period' ahead.
Record-Breaking Heat
On Monday, Kew Gardens hit 34.8C, surpassing the previous May record of 32.8C set in 1922 and 1944. Tuesday's provisional high of 35C further cemented the record, marking an exceptional late-spring heatwave. However, the Met Office expects temperatures to gradually decline from midweek, though conditions will remain largely dry with sunny spells initially.
Forecast for the Coming Days
Wednesday is forecast to be dry for most, with highs around 26C in London, while the north-east will see more cloud with some bright spells. From Thursday to Saturday, the Met Office warns of a risk of thundery showers in the south, but conditions will turn cloudier and fresher from the west towards the weekend.
The long-range outlook from Sunday, May 31, to Tuesday, June 9, states: 'A more changeable period than we have seen of late, as Atlantic weather systems move in from the west to bring a mixture of drier spells and some showers, or longer spells of rain at times. The rain will likely be heaviest in parts of the west and northwest, with the best of the drier conditions more likely towards the south and east.'
Temperature Plunge Next Week
By next Tuesday, southern England and Wales are expected to see highs in the late teens, potentially reaching the low 20s in some areas. Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain cooler, with temperatures hovering around the mid-teens in the afternoon. The Met Office adds that temperatures will be near-normal overall, with the warmest spots most likely across eastern areas, and it will be breezy at times, especially in northwestern areas.
