The United Kingdom is forecast to experience temperatures exceeding those in Athens on Friday, with the Met Office predicting highs of 26 degrees Celsius in London. The nation is expected to enjoy abundant sunshine and temperatures in the low to mid-20s as the bank holiday weekend approaches.
Regional Temperature Forecast
According to the Met Office, by the end of the week, Manchester will see highs of 23C, London will reach 26C, and Cardiff will experience 20C. The warm spell is set to persist through the late May bank holiday, with the capital expecting 23C on Saturday and 24C on both Sunday and Monday.
Meteorologist's Insights
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth stated in an online forecast: "From Thursday onwards, temperatures could rise above average, approaching 20C for some across southern areas." She added, "We could be closer to the mid-20s, possibly, for some areas, in the South East, by the bank holiday weekend."
This warm weather marks a welcome shift from the chilly winds and showers that affected northern parts of the UK over the weekend. However, some showers are expected during the first half of the week before temperatures begin to climb.
Week Ahead Weather Breakdown
Craig Snell, a Met Office forecaster, commented: "The first half of this week is still going to be changeable, if not unsettled, across parts of the UK. Temperatures at the start of the week are still a little subdued for the time of the year, as we head towards the weekend we are expecting to see a change."
Monday will feature a mix of sunshine and showers, some of which could be heavy with occasional thunder, before a band of rain moves across most of the UK later in the day. Blustery conditions are expected on Tuesday, accompanied by wind and rain, sometimes heavy, along with thunder.
Wednesday will bring a combination of sunshine and showers, but temperatures in southern England will climb towards 20C. On Thursday and Friday, conditions will become increasingly drier and brighter, particularly for England and Wales, with maximum temperatures of 26C possible on Friday in the southeast.
"The best of the sunshine across the bank holiday weekend will probably be across England and Wales," Mr Snell added.
Detailed Five-Day Forecast
This Evening and Tonight
Showers will continue across parts of England and Wales, especially towards the west where they may become heavier and possibly thundery. Northern Ireland and Scotland will turn drier, with clearer skies leading to some patchy fog.
Monday
Sunshine and showers are expected for many, with a band of more persistent rain moving into Northern Ireland, Wales, and southwest England by evening. Temperatures will be near or a little below average.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday
Conditions will be unsettled at first with showers or longer spells of rain. Turning drier from Thursday for many, with temperatures starting to become warmer.
