The UK is bracing for a potential heatwave in late May, with temperatures forecast to rise to as high as 27C. Weather maps from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) suggest a four-day period of warm weather starting around 22 May.
On the evening of 22 May, maximum temperatures could reach 26C, particularly just south of London. Other parts of Wales, central England, and the east may experience milder heat, with readings around 23C or 24C.
The warmth intensifies on 23 May, when the southeast could see temperatures peaking at 27C. The Midlands may experience highs of 26C, while much of England south of Yorkshire could see temperatures around 24C. South Wales is also expected to heat up to about 25C.
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By 24 May, the south coast may reach 26C, with similar warmth forecast for the West Midlands and areas near London. Even southern Scotland could enjoy a mild 22C in the early evening.
The warm spell is predicted to conclude on 25 May, with temperatures holding steady at around 25C in southern and western regions. During this four-day stretch, as many as 18 counties could see highs of 25C or above, indicating widespread warmth across these areas.
The UK Met Office echoes this forecast, indicating that high pressure systems will likely bring settled and warmer weather towards the end of May, particularly in the south. The official Met Office forecast from 17 to 26 May notes: “Temperatures likely cooler than average to begin, but tending to recover as the period progresses, perhaps becoming rather warm by the end of the period, especially in the south.”
An official heatwave in the UK is declared when temperatures meet or exceed regional heat thresholds for three consecutive days. These thresholds range from 25C in northern regions to 28C in the warmer southeast. Whether the upcoming warm spell meets these criteria remains to be seen, but the potential for a notable rise in temperatures is clear.