A heatwave is likely coming later this week as temperatures are set to soar during the bank holiday weekend. After a chilly and wet May, conditions are finally turning summery.
What Defines a Heatwave in London?
For a heatwave to be declared in London and much of southern England, temperatures must reach 28°C on three consecutive days. Other parts of the UK have different thresholds.
Forecast for the Coming Days
This bank holiday weekend (Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25) promises sunny skies and soaring temperatures, with the thermostat expected to hit 28°C or even 29°C. If these conditions persist for more than three days, a heatwave will be declared.
Here is a breakdown of the weather for the next two weeks (temperature highs and lows in brackets):
- Wednesday, May 20: Light cloud, moderate breeze (20°C, 10°C)
- Thursday, May 21: Sunny intervals, gentle breeze (23°C, 12°C)
- Friday, May 22: Sunny, gentle breeze (27°C, 16°C)
- Saturday, May 23: Sunny intervals, light winds (27°C, 15°C)
- Sunday, May 24: Sunny, light winds (29°C, 15°C)
- Monday, May 25: Sunny, light winds (29°C, 16°C)
- Tuesday, May 26: Sunny, gentle breeze (29°C, 16°C)
- Wednesday, May 27: Sunny, gentle breeze (28°C, 15°C)
- Thursday, May 28: Sunny, gentle breeze (26°C, 13°C)
- Friday, May 29: Sunny intervals, gentle breeze (24°C, 11°C)
- Saturday, May 30: Sunny, gentle breeze (23°C, 11°C)
- Sunday, May 31: Sunny, gentle breeze (22°C, 11°C)
- Monday, June 1: Sunny, gentle breeze (21°C, 11°C)
- Tuesday, June 2: Sunny, gentle breeze (23°C, 13°C)
Even if temperatures dip slightly after the weekend, the weather will remain pleasant, with highs of 26°C to 27°C on Wednesday and Thursday. Sunshine is expected to persist, though temperatures will moderate to the early 20s later on.
