Temperatures across the UK are set to climb steadily this week, with highs of 28C possible by Friday as a band of high pressure moves in from the west. However, the Met Office has cautioned that thunderstorms are also likely towards the end of the week, particularly across parts of eastern England.
The recent cool and unsettled spell saw the mercury struggle to 11.6C in the Shetland Islands and 14.8C in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on Sunday. Monday brought drizzle across southern England, with further rain expected on Tuesday, heaviest in the Southwest.
By Friday, weather maps show an orange hue across most of the UK as conditions turn warmer and drier. The hottest areas are expected to be the East and Southeast of England, with temperatures widely predicted at 28C and 27C respectively. Even northern England could reach 20C, warmer than at the end of last week, while parts of Lincolnshire and Humberside are set to be among the warmest spots.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said: "The temperatures are going to be increasing day by day, especially across the Southeast of England. This is where high pressure is starting to build this week, and we start to bring in a slightly warmer plume of air here as well. So, there's potentially some very warm if not, quite hot, weather towards the end of the week. However, this may spark off some thunderstorms."
No weather warnings have been issued for storms, but rain is expected to disrupt the warmer period over the weekend, with showers possible across parts of south Wales and the Southwest. Looking further ahead, the Met Office's long-range forecast for June 20-29 suggests the possibility of very warm and humid conditions across southern and southeastern Britain, with a chance of thunderstorms. A signal for high pressure building more widely could bring drier, settled conditions, though Atlantic low pressure may still bring brief wet and windy spells.
