After thunder and lightning on May 14, Londoners can look forward to sunshine making a comeback. The second half of next week is expected to see temperatures climb as high as 25°C. However, while the latest BBC Weather forecast predicts hotter days from Friday to Sunday (May 22-24), many are questioning whether this constitutes a heatwave.
What Defines a Heatwave in the UK?
According to BBC Weather, a heatwave requires temperatures to surpass a specific threshold for three consecutive days. This threshold varies by region: 25°C across the north and west of the UK, rising to 28°C in parts of the east, including London. Therefore, despite the pleasant weather, the upcoming conditions do not meet the official heatwave criteria.
This Week's Forecast Remains Unsettled
The rest of this week is not shaping up well, unfortunately. More rain is expected today (Thursday, May 14), continuing through Friday. There is some respite on Saturday, but rain returns on Sunday, along with thunder and lightning. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are all balmy but wet, so it is best to pack umbrellas for work.
Detailed Forecast (Temperature Highs and Lows in Brackets)
- Thursday, May 14: Light rain showers and a gentle breeze (13°C, 5°C)
- Friday, May 15: Light rain showers and a gentle breeze (13°C, 5°C)
- Saturday, May 16: Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze (15°C, 10°C)
- Sunday, May 17: Thundery showers and a gentle breeze (15°C, 9°C)
- Monday, May 18: Light rain and a gentle breeze (17°C, 11°C)
- Tuesday, May 19: Light rain and a gentle breeze (18°C, 13°C)
- Wednesday, May 20: Light rain showers and a gentle breeze (21°C, 11°C)
- Thursday, May 21: Light clouds and light winds (23°C, 14°C)
- Friday, May 22: Sunny intervals and light winds (25°C, 14°C)
- Saturday, May 23: Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze (25°C, 14°C)
- Sunday, May 24: Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze (24°C, 13°C)
- Monday, May 25: Drizzle and a gentle breeze (25°C, 14°C)
- Tuesday, May 26: Drizzle and a gentle breeze (25°C, 13°C)
- Wednesday, May 27: Light rain showers and light winds (23°C, 13°C)
In summary, while no heatwave is on the horizon, London can still enjoy some warm and sunny days ahead.
