Nottinghamshire is set for a very warm bank holiday weekend as high pressure brings settled conditions and temperatures well above average for May.
The Met Office says an “exceptional spell of warmth” could develop across parts of the UK over the coming days, with England and Wales expected to see temperatures widely reaching 28°C or 29°C. There is also a good chance of 30°C being reached in the southeast.
For Nottingham, the latest forecast shows sunny and dry conditions developing from Friday, with temperatures expected to reach 26°C. Saturday is forecast to remain sunny, with a high of 25°C, before temperatures rise further to around 29°C or 30˚C on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Tuesday is also forecast to stay warm, with highs of around 27°C.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Greg Wolverson said: “A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK.
“High pressure will be in charge of the UK’s weather over the bank holiday weekend and this should bring fine and settled conditions to most areas. The exception will be parts of northwestern Scotland where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times. There is also a small risk of some thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday.”
The Met Office says any UK temperature above 29.4°C would make it the warmest May day recorded since 2012. The all-time UK May record is 32.8°C.
Heatwave thresholds, which are based on three consecutive days at or above a set temperature, are most likely to be reached first in parts of southeastern England from Sunday. The Met Office says those conditions may then become more widespread into next week, extending across central and western England and into parts of Wales.
In the East Midlands, the regional forecast says Thursday will bring some patchy rain, mainly further north, before conditions turn dry and warm. Friday is expected to be very warm with hazy sunshine, Saturday warm with sunny spells, and Sunday bright, sunny and very warm.
The RAC is urging drivers to check vehicles before longer journeys, with more traffic expected over the bank holiday weekend and an increased risk of breakdowns in warmer weather.
RAC breakdown spokesperson Harriet Hernando said motorists should make sure their car is “summer-ready” before setting out, warning that one of the biggest risks in hot weather is vehicles overheating, particularly when sitting in queues with no shade.
Ordnance Survey is also encouraging people planning walks or outdoor trips to prepare properly, including checking the forecast, taking food and drink, and carrying a map or using the OS Maps app.
