Britain is poised to experience an early summer heatwave as updated weather forecasts reveal temperatures surging to 31C in various parts of England next week. On Thursday, May 28, predictions indicate that the hottest weather will be concentrated in London and the surrounding South East regions, where temperatures could reach 31C in the afternoon. Counties like Essex, Kent, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire are also among the 30 areas expected to endure scorching heat as the month concludes.

Across the country, extensive areas are anticipated to exceed 28C, with multiple locations in the South East, South West, and sections of the Midlands engulfed in the heatwave. Southern England is likely to see temperatures ranging between 24C and 29C. Cities such as Norwich, Oxford, Cambridge, Reading, and areas near Windsor are all set to experience unusually high temperatures for late May as warm air sweeps across the UK.

The heatwave is not limited to the southern regions alone. Parts of Wales, northern England, and Scotland are also projected to encounter temperatures well above the seasonal norm, with highs ranging from the low to mid-20s. Even areas further north could witness temperatures around 20C, bringing warm conditions to a significant portion of the country.

If the forecasts hold true, Thursday could mark one of the hottest days of the year thus far, prompting many Britons to flock to parks, beaches, and outdoor venues to bask in the sunshine. The Met Office has cautioned that “high pressure is expected to remain in place” over much of the country as May draws to a close.

According to the Met Office’s long-range forecast from May 24 to June 2, the weather is expected to be “Warm and dry for most on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Through the following week, high pressure is expected to remain in place for much of the UK, meaning fine weather likely to continue for most places. Some patchy rain may affect the far north at times and perhaps a few showers in the far south. Temperatures are expected to be above normal, feeling very warm at times with light winds.”