May weather forecast 2022: mini heatwave predicted for UK mid-month with highs of 23C as temperatures rise

Britain could face a heatwave from around mid-May as temperatures start to climb from Saturday (7 May) onwards, the Met Office has said.

Meteorologist Marco Petagna said the weather could get “very warm” later this month, peaking at around 22C or 23C in the south of England.

He added there was a “small chance” that temperatures could rise into the mid-twenties, meaning a “brief” heatwave.

How much will temperatures rise in May?

A nine-day mini heatwave is expected to start on Thursday (5 May) with temperatures reaching up to 22C in the next few days.

Coventry and Birmingham are set for highs of 20C while the warmest weather can be expected in the capital.

London and the south east could see highs of 22C meanwhile Scotland is set for 27C at the end of the month when average temperatures usually range between 7 and 13C.

This week Scotland and Northern Ireland will see more cloud and some splashes of rain at times, but temperatures still look promising.

Glasgow could enjoy highs of 15C while Belfast could reach a warm 16C, according to BBC forecaster Ben Rich.

Looking at mid-May the Met Office states: “Dry weather is likely for most throughout much of this period, bringing variable cloud and sunny spells to most areas.

“Northern regions are more likely to see a scattering of showers at the start, interspersed by bands of more persistent or heavier rain at times.”

What have forecasters said?

The Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: “Good news for parks, gardens and also farmland, we are seeing some rain over the next few days certainly after a dry April.

“This is welcome rain and it will also mean with a canopy of cloud, temperatures will be relatively mild for this time of the year.”

Onto the weather forecast for May, Ms Nasir said: “So overnight, through Tuesday into Wednesday cloud continues to thicken across the country with some persistent rain across western Scotland.

“But anywhere else you will never be too far away from some damp conditions with rain and drizzle and low cloud particularly over the hills and mountains.”

Looking at mid-month, she said: “Winds should be generally light to moderate, and coastal areas may also experience periods of low cloud or fog.

“The settled weather will continue, widespread through the second half of the period, with any rain confined to western and northern areas.”

The warm weather forecast for the month comes after an April that has seen average maximum temperatures generally above normal for the month.

The hottest temperature this year was set on Good Friday in St James’ Park, London, where the Met Office recorded a high of 23.4C.