UK weather: Brits likely to enjoy glorious burst of 30C sunshine in just days, Met Office says – but it won’t last long
BRITS are likely to enjoy glorious bursts of 30C sunshine in only a few days’ time, but it won’t last long the Met Office says.
Today and tomorrow are set to be less settled with scattered rain around the county, but the sun will beam down next week.
The sunshine will bring temperatures of 20C for most parts of the country with some remote areas of the UK expected to even hit 30C.
However, the heat is only expected to last until Wednesday with heavy showers, thunderstorms and persistent rain possibly returning in the west as the week goes on.
Dan Rudman, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, said on Friday: “After a brief, less settled interlude today and tomorrow, fine conditions will return by Sunday and into the beginning of next week.
“Confidence in the forecast reduces markedly from Wednesday onwards, with uncertainty in both how long the heat will last and how it will break down, which we will be keeping an eye on for the coming days.
“However, by next weekend, cooler, changeable conditions become more likely.”
Operational meteorologist Honor Criswick said: “As we’re pushing into next week we’re starting to see the hotter spells, but it is going to be quite brief.
“It will be a brief hot spell, but perhaps a beginning to summer which I’m sure many people have been waiting around for.”
It marks a break from the rainy Spring, which saw 32 per cent more rainfall than the average in England and Wales,
That made it the fifth wettest May for England and the eighth wettest recorded for Wales, the Met Office said.
But despite the wet weather it has been the warmest May and spring ever recorded in the UK.
The average temperature has been 13.1C, beating the previous 2008 record of 12.1C.
Criswick said “a lot of people couldn’t believe it when the spring stats came in”, but added they were largely influenced by higher overnight temperatures.
The wet weather has been coming from the Atlantic and a high-pressure system is expected to halt it for a few days.
As temperatures rise, the Met Office also shared guidance from the RNLI on how to stay safe on beaches.
Samantha Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI said: “The forecasted warm weather will mean we’ll see more visitors at the coast and we always want people to enjoy themselves safely.
“Entering the water during warm weather can increase the risk of cold water shock due to the sudden changes in skin temperatures. Enter the water gradually and avoid jumping or diving straight in to reduce your risk of cold-water shock.
“If you’re planning on heading to the beach, we highly recommend you visit one that is lifeguarded and you swim between the red and yellow flags. This is the safest area and is most closely monitored by lifeguards.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.
“In an emergency at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard or ask for the fire service if you are near inland waters.”
Brits already enjoyed a taste of much welcomed summer at Royal Ascot this week.
Glamourous guests donned vibrant dresses and fascinators while some looked suave in sophisticated suits.
The Met Office's five day forecast
Today:
Cloud and patchy light rain and drizzle clears eastwards. Generally breaking up into the afternoon with most seeing sunny spells. Further cloud, rain and strengthening winds moving into the far northwest later. Feeling warm in the sunshine.
Tonight:
Cloudy across Scotland and Northern Ireland with spots of drizzle, this will drift eastwards into England and Wales overnight. Staying largely dry with clear spells in the southeast. Feeling muggy.
Sunday:
Cloud, rain and drizzle will continue clearing southeastwards. Away from this, a fine end to the weekend with some warm sunny spells. Feeling particularly warm across central and eastern parts.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
A largely settled start to the week, some showers at times but plenty of dry and fine weather. Feeling rather hot at times, with some mild and muggy nights too.