UK forecast warmest weather of 2024 ahead of Bank Holiday

The United Kingdom is set to experience its warmest weather of the year this week, with temperatures forecast to climb significantly ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend. Forecasters predict Friday could be the hottest day so far in 2024, with parts of southern England reaching 28 degrees Celsius.

This warm spell follows a notably cool and unsettled start to May, which saw temperatures below the seasonal average. Conditions are expected to improve dramatically from Thursday onwards as high pressure builds from the south, bringing settled, fine, and dry weather across much of the country, particularly in England and Wales.

The Met Office forecasts that London and southeast England will see the highest temperatures, potentially between 26C and 29C from Friday through Monday. Other regions, including Manchester, Bristol, and Swansea, are also expected to experience warm conditions. The current record for the year, 26.6C recorded at Kew Gardens on April 8, is likely to be surpassed.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tony Wisson said many parts of the country will enjoy warm, fine, and settled weather that will continue through to Sunday and Monday. He noted there is also the chance of...