Brits are set for more scorching temperatures with today predicted to be the hottest of the year.
Temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-20Cs, with parts of the South East forecast to be hotter than Majorca.
It was a hot day on Thursday where the mercury hit the low-20Cs and it is set to continue over the next few days and into next week thanks to south westerly winds around the Azores.
There is still a weather front moving from the north west down the country bringing rain but it is unlikely to be heavy especially by the time it reaches southern England.
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth issued a warning to Brits, who might be looking forward to making the most of the hot weather, not to forget the sun cream.
“UV levels will likely be high,” she said. “Some protection is advised, and long periods in the sunshine not recommended.”
The forecaster added that if peak highs aren’t seen on Friday, it is “likely” the year’s record would be broken at some point during the week.
A high of 23.4C was recorded in St James’s Park, London, on April 15, the hottest of 2022 so far.
If this is exceeded today, it would make Britain warmer than Majorca and Ibiza, where highs of 22C and 21C have been forecast.
Ms Shuttleworth said that temperatures are expected to be “much warmer than average” through May.
She added: “Average temperatures at this point in early May is about 17C for London and somewhere around 15C outside of that.
“It’s quite likely we’ll see those warm and much warmer than average temperatures across the UK.”
High temperatures in the low 20Cs are expected to continue through the weekend and could even get hotter next week.
Looking to mid-May, Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said the weather could get “very warm”, peaking around 22C or 23C in the south of England.
“Temperatures are several degrees above where they should be at this time of year,” he said.
He added there was a “small chance” that temperatures could rise into the mid-20s, meaning a “brief” heatwave.
UK forecast for the next 5 days
Rain moving south. Warm in south and east.
Today:
Rain across Northern Ireland and Scotland moving into Wales and northern England. Brighter to the north with some showers. Sunny spells in southern and eastern England. Warm in south and east, possibly very warm in far southeast.
Tonight:
Rain reaching east and southeast England overnight along with low cloud, mist and hill fog. Else, variable cloud and clear spells. Some showers parts of Scotland, then colder far north.
Saturday:
Light rain and drizzle parts of southeast at first, then variable cloud, sunny intervals and a scattering of mostly light showers. Warm over southwestern UK, cooler in the east.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Many areas largely fine with sunny periods. Rain in the northwest Sunday and Monday, moving southeast but weakening Tuesday, with a few showers following. Generally warm, but cooler far northwest.
