The Met Office is predicting temperatures of up to 26C across the UK this week, making Britain hotter than some of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.
The Met Office‘s latest forecast anticipates highs of 26C in southern regions on Friday, while northern areas can expect temperatures of 24C. Tomorrow is also shaping up to be a scorcher, with 24C forecast in the south and 22C further north.
By contrast, temperatures are only expected to reach 19C at the Greek holiday resort of Zante on Friday, while sun-seekers in Benidorm, Spain, will have to make do with a modest 21C.
Temperature anomaly maps have turned a deep red ahead of Friday, signalling that vast swathes of the UK will see the mercury climb well above the seasonal norm. The hottest day of the year so far recorded 26.5C, meaning Friday could potentially surpass that figure.
The UKV weather model forecasts highs of 25C on Friday, with south-east England set to enjoy the warmest conditions. The mercury could also climb to 24C across the Midlands and Yorkshire.
Temperatures are expected to reach 20C or above across most of England, with the exception of the south-west. Data also suggests that parts of North Wales and southern Scotland could reach 21C.
Despite the “warm and humid” conditions, the Met Office has warned of possible thunderstorms on Friday. Its forecast states: “Warm and humid on Friday, with sunny spells and a few heavy showers or thunderstorms. Sunny spells and showers Saturday and Sunday, some heavy and thundery. Turning a little cooler.”
The BBC is predicting a combination of sunny spells and showers on Friday. Its forecast reads: “On Friday, it will turn cloudier in the north with one or two showers in the afternoon. Further south and west, a mix of scattered showers and sunshine. Turning warmer in the south and south-east.
“Over the weekend, it will become unsettled and cloudier with frequent scattered showers for England and Wales, with a chance of thunder. Cloudier with lighter showers further north.”
“Over the weekend, it will become unsettled and cloudier with frequent scattered showers for England and Wales, with a chance of thunder. Cloudier with lighter showers further north.”