UK Experienced Warmest Start to May on Record as Mini Heatwave Continues
The UK has experienced the warmest start to May on record, with temperatures continuing to soar during a mini heatwave this week. According to the Met Office, Kew Gardens in south-west London registered a temperature of 29.3C on Thursday afternoon, surpassing the previous record high temperature of 27.4C at Lossiemouth in Moray in 1990. This represents a significant deviation from the average temperature, with Thursday’s reading more than 10C above average.
Thursday was also the warmest day of the year so far, beating the previous high of 26.7C reached in Wisley, Surrey, on Wednesday. The Met Office reported that firefighters were battling wildfires and warnings were issued over the “hidden dangers” of open water swimming after the recovery of a 16-year-old boy’s body from a lake in Nottingham.
Although the unusually hot weather is still likely to fall just outside of official Met Office heatwave thresholds, the agency’s deputy chief meteorologist, David Oliver, noted that temperatures must hit a certain temperature – of 25C across much of Britain, rising to 28C in London – for three consecutive days to officially qualify as a heatwave. The Met Office’s definition of a heatwave is a period of at least three consecutive days with temperatures above a certain threshold.
According to the Met Office, Thursday is set to mark the peak of the heat, with temperatures expected to dip over the weekend and much of the UK feeling noticeably cooler than in recent days. Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said that temperatures should start to ease on Friday, with Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon stating that temperatures tomorrow will be slightly reduced from what we’ve seen today, possibly 26 or 27 degrees in the far south-east of England through the day tomorrow.
The Met Office warned of a low risk of some heavy showers or thunderstorms developing later on Thursday and into Friday, although most areas should remain largely dry. In its forecast for later on Thursday, the agency said: “Any showers or thunderstorms easing, though one or two showers perhaps persisting in the south. Clearer and colder in the northwest with a patchy frost, and a few coastal showers.” The Met Office then predicted Friday will bring “some showery rain across central areas at first, though dying out during the morning. Cooler with variable cloud and scattered showers in the north, whilst remaining warmer in the south.”
Cooler conditions are expected over the weekend, with Saturday set to bring temperatures of 14C to 18C across the UK. Over the weekend, the forecaster predicted: “Scattered showers in the south at times, and a few further north, though a lot of dry weather for many with some sunshine. Temperatures dropping, becoming rather cool in places.” The weather is likely to become more changeable next week as dry, settled periods are interspersed with spells of wetter weather and temperatures closer to the monthly average for May.
As reported by The Independent, the UK’s warm weather has been a topic of discussion, with many enjoying the unseasonable heat. The Met Office has been providing updates on the weather, and their forecasts have been indicating a return to cooler conditions over the weekend. According to The Independent‘s reporting, the heatwave has brought various hazards, including an increased risk of wildfires and the dangers of open water swimming.
The Met Office has been monitoring the situation closely, and their experts have been providing insights into the causes and effects of the heatwave. As The Independent previously reported, the UK’s weather has been influenced by a high-pressure system, leading to the clear skies and warm temperatures. The Met Office has been working to provide accurate and timely forecasts, helping the public to prepare for the changing weather conditions.
The Independent has been providing comprehensive coverage of the UK’s weather, including the mini heatwave and its effects. The publication’s reporting has highlighted the importance of being aware of the weather conditions and taking necessary precautions to stay safe. As the weather continues to evolve, The Independent will continue to provide updates and insights, drawing on the expertise of the Met Office and other sources.
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