UK weather maps show 'mini-heatwave' coming in days with three areas hottest
Temperatures could reach as high as 21C next week as high-pressure systems make their way over to the UK.
The UK could be set for a "mini-heatwave" in a matter of days before temperatures drop. Between May 1 and May 3, parts of Britain could see highs of 21C as weather maps light up red.
May 1 is set to be the warmest day, with temperatures peaking in London at 21C, and around 18C in Norfolk and Cambridge. In northern England, temperatures may follow closely behind at 17C.
And these temperatures will likely continue for a few days, with temperatures dropping gradually. By May 10, weather maps warn temperatures could dip to just 10C in parts of northern England, while London will see highs of 18C.
The warmer temperatures are coming as a result of high-pressure systems that usually bring drier weather.
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, which may be accompanied by high humidity".
A heatwave in the UK is met when the temperature meets or exceeds the maximum threshold for at least three consecutive days. The threshold varies by UK county in the range of 25-28C.
Weather expert Jim Dale told Express.co.uk that the UK was "overdue" a period of sunny weather earlier this week.
Mr Dale said: "It may not last, but will be welcome if it evolves as currently seen. Temperatures will range from 18-22C, with room yet for higher. The rain and cooler temperatures may have been a blessing in disguise as we push on into summer."
A statement from the Met Office also offered some optimism, saying "it is worth noting that average temperatures themselves rise by around 1C per week at this time of year".
Met Office long-range forecast
Monday 29 Apr - Wednesday 8 May
The weekend's rain probably clearing east and northeast to leave a drier day on Monday, although the chance of showers and even thunderstorms remains. Cloudier, wetter weather is likely to quickly arrive into the west, and slide east across southern areas early next week, such that the majority of the week will be characterised by wetter weather in southern UK, drier weather in northern, especially northwestern UK, and a chance of rain or even thundery showers for a time in the east. Temperatures likely to trend upwards, with the chance of a warm to very warm spell in some southern and eastern parts, before conditions probably turn drier, cooler and more settled from the west towards the end of the period.
Thursday 9 May - Thursday 23 May
In this period, the chances of unsettled weather are slightly less than usual in the north and about the same as usual further south. Therefore, some spells of wetter weather are likely for all, but perhaps especially southern areas with the driest conditions probably further north. Temperatures probably near average though with some cooler interludes possible. Also worth noting that average temperatures themselves rise by around 1C per week at this time of year.
