Wales could see temperatures climb close to 30°C over the Bank Holiday weekend as the Met Office forecasts an exceptional spell of warmth across much of the UK.
Forecasters say temperatures will continue to rise through the weekend, bringing warm sunshine and settled conditions to many parts of Wales.
Thursday is expected to begin grey and wet in places, particularly across the northwest, before rain gradually clears through the day. Brighter and warmer conditions are then expected to develop during the afternoon, with temperatures reaching around 21°C.
Overnight conditions are expected to stay very mild, with a minimum temperature of 12°C.
Friday will see low cloud in western areas lifting through the morning, leaving most areas dry and bright with hazy sunshine. Temperatures are forecast to rise further to around 23°C, which is above the seasonal average for May.
The Met Office says the warm conditions are then expected to continue throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, with plenty of sunshine, light winds and temperatures potentially reaching 28°C or 29°C in parts of England and Wales.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson said:
“A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK.
“High pressure will be in charge of the UK’s weather over the bank holiday weekend and this should bring fine and settled conditions to most areas. The exception will be parts of northwestern Scotland where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times. There is also a small risk of some thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday.”
Forecasters say there is also a good chance temperatures could reach 30°C in parts of southeast England.
Any temperature above 29.4°C would make it the warmest May day recorded in the UK since 2012, although the all-time May record remains 32.8°C.
Greg Wolverson added:
“Heatwave thresholds – defined as three consecutive days at or above a set temperature – are likely to be reached in parts of the UK from Sunday, most likely in southeastern England. Into next week, these conditions are expected to become more widespread, extending across central and western England and into parts of Wales, as temperatures remain well above average.”
Ahead of the busy travel weekend, the RAC has also urged motorists to prepare for the hotter conditions.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said:
“With the weather set to transition from cold to hot as the bank holiday approaches, we’re going to see a lot more traffic on the roads – and with that comes the risk of many more vehicles breaking down in the heat. Before setting out on a long journey, motorists should make sure that their car is summer-ready. One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.”
