TODAY could be the hottest day of the year so far – with temperatures to soar to a sizzling 24C as a scorching five-day heatwave hits the UK.
And it’s only going to get hotter – as a North African plume brings soaring temperatures from across the continent.
Lauren parkin, 21 ,and Sarah Holden, also 21, enjoy the hot weather on Blackpool BeachCredit: Dave Nelson
Two women jogging on a bright morning on Wimbledon Common, south west, London as temperatures are set to rise over the weekendCredit: Rex
Sunrise on Glastonbury Tor, SomersetCredit: SWNS
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said today could see “16-19C widely – with 24C the possible high in the South East and that would make it the warmest day of the year so far”.
Previously, May 6 recorded a scorching 23.6C in Faversham, Kent.
In fact, this month could be the hottest May in 100 years as sweltering weather is expected to reach our coasts.
The current record is 27.8C which was recorded in Camden, North London on May 16, 1925.
And the Met Office has said parts of the South East could potentially reach top temperatures of 25-27C next week.
Currently, Tuesday looks as if it will be the hottest day of the week.
However, these sweltering temperatures do mean there’s also a risk of thunderstorms as the heat builds up.
Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “Through Saturday night and Sunday as temperatures rise and the fine weather arrives.
“Also we could see some showers or thunderstorms drifting north from the continent, most likely affecting the southern part of the UK on Saturday night and Sunday but perhaps more widely later.
“At the same time if we get some sunshine and this plume occurring, temperatures could be rising, early part of next week it’s possible to see low to mid 20s fairly widely and high 20s around the South East if we get sunshine associated with this plume but as I mentioned it does bring the threat of thundery outbreaks at the same time.”
The five-day heatwave is expected to drive crowds to the sea, as beaches have been packed with Brits for the last few weeks.
But keep your brolly handy if you are out on a sunny excursion, as thunderstorms could strike on Saturday and Sunday night.
The Met’s long-range forecast has predicted warm temperatures to last until May 23.
But the hot sun will also be accompanied by a “pollen bomb” which will cause misery for hayfever sufferers, experts predict.
Brits are set to flock to the beaches to make the most of the hot weatherCredit: News Group Newspapers ltd
