London could swelter in temperatures of up to 33C on Monday as an exceptional late-May heatwave grips the UK over the Bank Holiday weekend. Forecasters say the capital is set for several days of sunshine and rising temperatures, with conditions becoming increasingly hot.
Steady Climb in Temperatures
According to the Met Office, temperatures will steadily climb from Thursday as high pressure builds across the country, bringing settled weather and clear skies for many areas. Southern England is expected to see the highest temperatures, with 30C likely on Saturday before rising further through Sunday and peaking on Monday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said temperatures could reach 33C in parts of southern England and the Midlands on Monday, potentially breaking long-standing UK May temperature records. The current May temperature record stands at 32.8C, and forecasters believe that mark could be surpassed during the Bank Holiday weekend.
Heatwave Criteria Met
The spell of hot weather is also expected to meet official heatwave criteria in parts of the UK from Sunday onwards, especially across south-eastern England. Kocher stated: “Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands. It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C. As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK.”
Cause of the Heat
The warm conditions are being driven by a strong area of high pressure sitting over the UK. Meteorologists say the heat is not mainly arriving from southern Europe or North Africa, but is instead being created as sinking air warms while descending through the atmosphere - a process known as adiabatic compression.
Safety Advice
The Met Office and the British Red Cross are urging people to take care in the heat, particularly as many are expected to head outdoors over the Bank Holiday weekend. Advice includes staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and taking breaks from direct sunlight.
Forecasters from the BBC say Friday will be dry and very warm with plenty of sunshine, while Sunday and Monday are expected to be “very warm, or even hot” as high pressure remains firmly in control.
Climate Change Context
Climate experts have also warned that record-breaking May temperatures are becoming increasingly likely because of climate change. A recent attribution study by Met Office scientists found that breaking the UK’s May heat record is now around three times more likely than it would have been without human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
London Weather Forecast
- Friday: Sunny and very warm, highs around 27C
- Saturday: Warm sunshine with a slight chance of an early shower, highs around 31C
- Sunday: Dry, sunny and hot, highs around 32C
- Monday: Peak of the heatwave with temperatures potentially reaching 33C and abundant sunshine
- Tuesday: Still very warm and sunny, around 30C
- Wednesday: Slightly cooler but remaining sunny and warm, around 25C
