Summer appears to have arrived early in the UK this year, with temperatures surging to the mid-20C range for the first time in 2023. The sizzling highs first developed last week, bringing wall-to-wall sunshine to many parts of the country. Forecasts show the trend continuing for the next two weeks, with the mercury set to rise even further.
The weekend saw temperatures reach the year’s highest so far, with the Met Office recording 24.3C in Bramham, Leeds.
The weather agency predicted that the highs would continue over the coming week, giving Britons a glorious mini scorcher.
Steven Keates, the Met Office’s Deputy Chief Forecaster, said there is a “strong signal” that high pressure would continue to dominate. He added that “dry, bright weather” would likely “continue for most” with little rainfall over the next five days.
The UK’s lucky weather streak could continue beyond that point, charts suggest. Maps from WXCharts show continued heat, with daily highs – especially in southern England – frequently reaching 20C and higher.
The service’s charts, which are made using data from MetDesk, show the country turning yellow and orange into early June.
Next weekend on Saturday, June 3, temperatures will reach 20C to 22C in Wales as high pressure causes a similar surge in the Republic of Ireland.
The following week by Wednesday, June 7, WXCharts predicts London will hit 20C while surrounding areas remain between 18C and 19C.
On June 12, the highs will diminish slightly but remain summery at 17C.
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The forecast becomes less accurate between June 12 and 26, the latest period covered by the Met Office.
The agency predicts that conditions will split between the north and south as temperatures will stay “above average”.
The later forecast states: “A north/south split is possible as June progresses with northern areas having a better chance of continued dry conditions, whereas the south may be slightly wetter than average.
“Winds may also be stronger in the southern half of the country but remain light in northern regions.
“In general, the temperatures are likely to be above average; eastern coastal areas may feel slightly cooler, however, in the presence of onshore winds.”
Average June temperatures in the UK are typically around 16C, with typical highs of 21.37C and lows of 12.04C.
