Advanced weather modelling maps indicate that temperatures could soon surge to 23C again, with 27 counties across the UK set to experience scorching conditions. Last week, temperatures reached as high as 26C in some areas, but they have since dropped below 20C nationwide. Overnight, parts of Scotland could see lows of -5C. However, the balmy weather is expected to return soon, according to the GFS weather model, which shows temperatures rising back above 20C on May 20.
Where Will the Heat Be Highest?
The data suggests that the mercury will peak in south-east England, where 23C is forecast. Temperatures could reach 21C in East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, and near the England-Wales border. Temperature anomaly maps for May 20 show deep orange areas across southern and central England, indicating above-seasonal averages. In total, the maps suggest 27 counties could see temperatures of 20C or higher on that day.
Full List of Counties Facing 20C or Above
- Yorkshire
- Leicestershire
- Herefordshire
- Staffordshire
- Derbyshire
- Warwickshire
- Lincolnshire
- Northamptonshire
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Cambridgeshire
- Gloucestershire
- Worcestershire
- Oxfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Bedfordshire
- Essex
- Kent
- Hertfordshire
- Surrey
- Berkshire
- Hampshire
- Wiltshire
- Dorset
- Somerset
- Devon
- Cornwall
Met Office Outlook for May
The Met Office expects some 'warm interludes' later this month, but overall temperatures are likely to remain near normal for the time of year. For the period May 19 to June 2, the forecast says: 'Low pressure systems are likely to dominate across the UK at the start of this period. This means showers or longer spells of rain are likely at times, heavy in places, with the wettest conditions probably towards the northwest. There will, however, probably be some dry and warm interludes, these more likely towards the south, although temperatures are likely to be close to normal overall.' Later in the period, more settled and drier conditions may develop as high pressure potentially establishes itself to the north or west of the UK, with temperatures perhaps rising a little above normal, especially in the west or northwest. Should this happen, eastern parts may be on the cool side with a predominant flow off the North Sea.
