Get ready to dust off the sunglasses and fire up the barbie — a warm spell is on its way and it’s looking like an early taste of summer. Forecasters are predicting a burst of sunshine and rising temperatures across the UK just in time for the first weekend of May.
Starting Friday, May 2, things are set to heat up, especially in London where it could hit a balmy 23C by the afternoon. According to WXCharts, places like Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex can expect highs in the low twenties, and most of the UK will enjoy temperatures above 18C.
Even southwest Scotland and parts of the southeast won’t be missing out, with forecasts showing temperatures pushing up to around 21C. Weather maps are showing a bold red swathe of warmth sweeping across the country, with the heat sticking around well into the evening in many places.
This mini burst of warmth follows a patchy few weeks. Remember early April? Some areas, especially in west London, saw highs of 24C before the Easter chill and showers took over. So this latest turn is definitely a welcome change.
The Met Office is staying a bit cautious though. They say there’s a chance of “fine and very warm weather” spreading nationwide, but they’ve also flagged the possibility of more unsettled conditions — the usual British mix of sunshine, rain, and a bit of everything in between.
One thing they’re firm on though is the UV levels. Despite it not feeling like mid-August just yet, UV rays are already reaching level 4 in most parts of the UK — that’s enough to pose a moderate risk of sunburn. So if you’re heading out, slap on that sunscreen even if it’s only 20 degrees.
While things are warming up nicely, it’s worth noting this stretch doesn’t qualify as a full-blown heatwave. For that, you’d need at least 25C for three consecutive days. This, as it stands, is being dubbed a mini-heatwave — not an official term, but it definitely captures the vibe.
In the shorter term, expect a bit of everything before the warmth really kicks in. Rain is still on the cards today, easing off by evening with some cloud cover moving in overnight. Friday could start off on the damp side in parts, with grey skies and patchy drizzle especially in central and eastern areas. But it’s looking brighter in the west, and that sun should spread eastwards through the day.
The weekend’s looking mixed: showers and cloud on Saturday, but a much drier and warmer Sunday is expected, especially in the south.
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