With 45 counties expected to experience temperatures of at least 23 degrees Celsius over the next few days, red weather maps indicate a “mini-heatwave” as temperatures in the UK are expected to soar to an astounding 27 degree Celsius.
According to the Environment Agency, the country has seen its driest spring start in almost 70 years, which has left farmers grappling with parched fields and wildlife in country parks frantically vying for water.
According to the maps, there will be a surge of intense heat around the end of May and the start of June, with temperatures in the southeast of England peaking at 27 degrees Celsius.
However, along with 43 other counties in England and Wales, regions as far north as North Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire may experience temperatures of at least 23 °C.
London and the southeast region of England are among the regions that are expected to experience extreme heat, with maps showing scorching temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius on May 31.
Although the Met Office does not currently estimate precise temperatures, it said on Wednesday that a new £1.2 billion supercomputer that can make more accurate forecasts would soon be placed into service.
The Met Office’s long-range prognosis for the period from May 25 to June 3 predicts humid weather, though conditions in the West of Britain may appear wetter.
It says: “A much more unsettled period than of late, with the whole of the UK likely to see showers or some longer spells of rain, but also some drier and brighter interludes. For Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, it’s likely a story of sunshine and showers.
“The showers will be heavier and more frequent in the West, where it may also be windy, especially across the northwest. The east, especially the southeast, may well see a good deal of dry weather.
“The rest of the week then sees further frontal systems run into the UK, bringing more widespread rain at times, but again some drier spells in between these. Temperatures will probably be close to average, perhaps slightly above at times, but will feel fairly cool in the often strong winds.”
Complete list of UK counties that are set to rise to at least 23 degree celsius or higher:
- Kent
- East Sussex
- West Sussex
- Hampshire
- Dorset
- Somerset
- Wiltshire
- Berkshire
- Surrey
- Greater London
- Essex
- Hertfordshire
- Oxforshire
- Gloucestershire
- Herefordshire
- Shropshire
- Cheshire
- Staffordshire
- Worcestershire
- Warwickshire
- Northamptonshire
- Bedfordshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Suffolk
- Norfolk
- Leicestershire
- Derbyshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Merseyside
- Greater Manchester
- South Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
- Lincolnshire
- North Lincolnshire
- North East Lincolnshire
- Kingston upon Hull
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- North Yorkshire
- North Yorkshire
- Lancashire.