A scorching 35C heatwave is set to sweep across the UK this upcoming bank holiday weekend, drawing thousands of Brits to the beaches for what has been dubbed “May’s fiery flip-flop.”
Following a period of chilly weather, the UK is poised to experience a potentially record-breaking heatwave over the late May bank holiday, as per insights shared by a weather expert with the Mirror. Some regions could see temperatures soaring 2C to 3C higher than the previous May record on Monday.
According to senior meteorologist Jim Dale from British Weather Services, the heatwave is making a forceful comeback after a recent plunge in temperatures to near-freezing levels earlier in the week. The sudden surge in heat has been triggered by an African plume arriving shortly after an Arctic polar front.
Mr. Dale expressed, “We’re probably overdue for this heat. It’s returning with force. Expect a significant rise in temperatures, to say the least.” Bank Holiday Monday is anticipated to be the peak of the warmth, with London potentially hitting a remarkable 35C, nearly 3C above the previous May record.
Moreover, Mr. Dale highlighted that several other counties, including Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire, could also witness temperatures nudging 35C on Monday.
Heading further north, there are projections for record-breaking temperatures on localized scales, with the northwest of England and parts of Scotland expected to see highs of up to 29C. Mr. Dale mentioned, “We need to surpass the 32.8C record. For this time of year, that’s an extraordinary temperature. Some models are hinting at even higher temperatures, possibly reaching 34C or 35C.”
Saturday’s weather forecast resembles Friday’s conditions, with the possibility of isolated thundery showers. Temperatures are expected to range between 24C and 25C for certain regions, with a slight increase anticipated on the following day.
The mercury could climb to between 27C and 28C on Sunday before experiencing a sudden spike on Bank Holiday Monday. The meteorologist also noted that Tuesday could see extremely high temperatures, contingent on wind direction and cloud cover.
Meanwhile, the Met Office has also indicated that the peak of the heatwave will likely occur on Monday, with high pressure prevailing across most of the UK. Cooler areas might experience even more sunshine and warmth.
The Met Office statement reads, “For many regions, this will feel more like mid-summer than late May, with temperatures well above average and the potential for notably high values as the weekend progresses.”
An amber heat health alert has been issued for the East of England, signifying a significant risk to health and social care services. Indoor temperatures could surpass recommended levels, including in hospitals. The alert is in effect from 2pm on Friday until 5pm on Wednesday, according to the UK Health Security Agency.