…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
According to the Met Office, Wales could experience the “hottest day of the year so far” on Sunday, May 21, with temperatures reaching 21°C in some parts of the country.
The forecast indicates that both Wales and England will enjoy delightful weather over the weekend, with sunny conditions expected on Saturday and Sunday.
Warmth, Sunshine, and No Heatwave:
Despite the rising temperatures, the region has not yet entered heatwave territory.
The Met Office clarified on social media that an official heatwave is defined by reaching specific temperature thresholds for three consecutive days.
Although these thresholds will not be met this week, the sunshine will create a pleasant environment for many.
Sunshine and Warmth in South Wales:
The forecast for the week highlights abundant sunshine and warmth, particularly in southern Wales.
However, due to variations in temperatures over a four-day period, this period will not be classified as a heatwave, even though temperatures may reach around 20°C in some areas.
Anticipating the Hottest Day of the Year:
Meteorologist Aidan McGivern predicts that Sunday could potentially be the hottest day of the year so far in Wales.
He expects sunny days and cooler nights across the region.
Weather Trends and High Pressure Influence:
McGivern explains that the jet stream has shifted from the south to the north of the UK, leading to increased rainfall and limited sunshine.
However, with the jet stream positioned to the north, low-pressure systems will move in that direction, allowing high pressure from the Azores to dominate the weather patterns in Wales.
Settled Weather with Occasional Showers:
While cloud cover and showers may not be entirely avoided in the UK, high pressure is expected to prevail, resulting in dry and settled weather for the most part.
Occasional rain is anticipated in northern Britain and Northern Ireland, with possible showers, some potentially heavy, in the east of England.
Met Office Forecast for Wales:
The Met Office’s forecast for Wales this week suggests that any rain will ease off in the morning on Friday, leading to plenty of sunny spells in the afternoon.
Some showers may occur, potentially heavy and thundery at times.
The weather will feel warm in any sunshine, with a maximum temperature of 20°C.
Long-Range Forecast for the UK:
The Met Office’s long-range forecast for the UK from Monday, May 22, to Wednesday, May 31, indicates a generally settled start to the week, although mostly cloudy.
Wales and southwest England have the best chance of sunshine, while occasional rain is expected in parts of northern Britain and Northern Ireland.
The weather will remain mostly fine and dry in many areas throughout the week, with the possibility of more unsettled conditions in the northwest and far southeast.
Winds will be light, except for potentially stronger gusts in the far northwest of Scotland and far southeast of England.
Daytime temperatures are expected to be close to or slightly above normal for this time of year.
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