After two of themost un-summer-like months, we could be seeing some of the year's warmest days this week as an unseasonal mini heatwave hits Leeds.
Yes it's true, although we have technically waved goodbye to summer now we could be looking at a few glorious days of sun this week.
It’s fair to say the usual summer months of July and August haven’t been the brightest or the warmest, with heavy rain, grey skies, and unseasonably colder temperatures a common occurance.
But September is already a different story.
According to the Met Office, high pressure is expected to bring widespread warm weather all across the UK this week, but especially in the south, where temperatures could reach 30°C around Wednesday or Thursday – making it among the hottest temperatures experienced so far all year.
It’s not just in the south either, as northern areas will also see temperatures “widely in the mid to high twenties”, according to weather experts.
In some places in the UK, the weather this week and the length of time it sticks around for, would be warm enough to class as a ‘mini heatwave’.
The new week is only a few hours away
Before it arrives, take a look at the #4cast below for everything you need to know about the weather on Monday 👇 pic.twitter.com/3NEsMUNDrV
It comes after the Met Office notably redefined the term ‘heatwave’ after last year’s record-breaking temperatures and what it called an “undeniable warming trend for the UK”.
You may also remember that 2022 was officially declared the UK's warmest year on record.
Despite the unsettled July and August, Met Office provisional figures have – pretty surprisingly, to be honest – shown that this summer was still one of the 10 warmest summers on record for the UK though, due to what was an “exceptionally warm” June with several dry days of sunshine.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Clementine Hall -
4th September 2023 
