Mini heatwave expected to hit UK with temperatures soaring to 23°C throughout May
It’s about time summer temperatures matched the seasons.
As we solidify our place in the summer season, it appears that the weather has finally caught on and will be giving the UK sunshine aplenty this month.
Weather forecasters are predicting that a mini heatwave could arrive in the UK this month, and it’s set to bring highs of 23°C, reports The Manc.
Following what the Met Office said was an April where average maximum temperatures were generally above normal, and the UK had around a third less rain than usual for a month known for showers and downpours, Greater Manchester and much of the country could soon be set to bask in some “very warm” weather.
Temperatures could start peaking in the mid-20s later this month, according to the Met Office’s senior operational meteorologist, Marco Petagna.
“Temperatures are several degrees above where they should be at this time of year,” he said.
He added that there was a “small chance” that temperatures could rise into the mid-twenties as early as over the next couple of days, which would mean a “brief” heatwave, but many parts of the UK can expect it to heat up from next week.
The Met Office defines a heatwave as an “extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year”.
This may be accompanied by “high humidity”.
A UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold – which varies by county.
“High pressure has been the prime influence of UK weather in April 2022, bringing with it a good period of calm and settled weather,” added Dr Mark McCarthy, of the National Climate Information Centre.
The UK’s hottest day so far this year was Good Friday, when 23.4°C (74F) was recorded in St James’s Park in central London.
Across Leeds today, sunny intervals are expected to break up the sky with a light breeze throughout the day. Whilst temperatures are expected to remain between 9 – 18°C this weekend, next week Leeds will see highs of 22°C- especially on Saturday 14 May.
Featured Image – Jonny Gios, Unsplash