The area of high-pressure which has brought sunny and warm conditions across the UK over the last few days is forecast to continue through the bank holiday weekend and into next week. The warmest temperature recorded in Wales so far this year has been 23.4°C at Cardiff Bute Park, but it could get as high as 25°C next Thursday and Friday (June 1 and 2).
Welsh forecaster Derek Brockway says that records show there have only been a few times since 1980 where 25°C has not occurred anywhere in the UK before June 1. He saidL "In 1987, 25°C was not reached until 28th June. Next Thur or Friday 25°C is possible in Aberystwyth!"
Meanwhile, Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen has explained that the settled weather is down to the jet stream sitting to the north of the UK.
He said: "It is holding unsettled weather systems at bay and allowing high pressure to dominate bringing fine weather to the vast majority of the UK.
“The current position of the high-pressure means we will see a westerly air flow over the UK, a cooler direction than if air was being brought up from the south, and areas such as Spain or Africa. Therefore, we are not likely to reach heatwave conditions, but temperatures will still be warm reaching the low 20’s for many, particularly in the South West and southern Wales.”
Met Office Deputy chief forecaster, Steven Keates, said: “Next week is half term week for much of the country and there is as strong signal the high-pressure will continue to dominate our weather. It’s exact position over the UK will dictate the temperature, wind direction and weather patterns, however, indications are that the dry, bright weather is likely to continue for most with little in the way of rain throughout next week.”
The Met Office forecast for Wales over the bank holiday weekend says: "Saturday will be another fine day and with plentiful amounts of sunshine. Again, some fair-weather cloud perhaps bubbling up in the afternoon. Feeling warm away from coasts. Maximum temperature 22 °C.
"High pressure keeps it dry to end the bank holiday weekend, but with more scattered cloud possible and feeling cooler with an increasing breeze. Prolonged sunshine returns on Tuesday."
With the fine weather many of us may be planning to be out and about over the long weekend. Travel experts are warning of a busy time on the roads over the bank holiday weekend.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “We fully expect families to make the most of the largely fine weather over the coming days which is we’re forecasting the busiest late May bank holiday since before the pandemic. Into next week and half term for many parts of the UK, day trips will also be a big feature with popular routes to the coasts and countryside becoming busy. Getting away early in the morning or delaying trips until the evening are the best way to avoid the inevitable delays.
“No-one wants a breakdown to get in the way of them and time with family and friends, yet so many of the jobs our patrols will go out to are completely avoidable if drivers complete a few checks before they get out onto the open road. Ensuring oil and coolant levels are where they should be is a must, as is checking tyres are free of damage and are properly inflated.”
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