The Met Office has forecasted that May will bring much warmer than average temperatures to Britain as we approach summer.
Showers expected early this week are set to ease, particularly in the south, and temperatures are expected to soar to 22°C over the Mayday bank holiday weekend.
Clear skies and a second 20°C spell are due for the May 6-8 King’s Coronation weekend.
After a rainy mid-May interval, two further heat pulses and 26°C peaks are expected in late May.
Warmth from as far away as the Canary Islands will help bring these temperatures to Britain.
Hotter than Average Temperatures Likely in May
According to the Met Office, warmer temperatures are 10 times more likely to occur than cooler conditions.
The Met Office backed warm spells above May’s average high of 18.5°C in the south, and temperatures have reached at least 26°C by mid-May in all but one of the past five years, according to their records.
The Met Office three-month outlook predicts hotter than normal temperatures are a 50% probability, stating, “May has an increased likelihood of high pressure having a greater influence than normal.
This favours drier and warmer than average conditions.”
Forecasts Turning up the Thermostat
The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said, “Computer forecasts are turning up the thermostat later in the week ahead, with 20°C shown. Could it feel like summer?
“Very warm air isn’t far away to the south of the UK.”
With the possibility of four heatwaves and 26°C highs, Britain is in for a warm and sunny May.
It is important to remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during periods of prolonged heat.