Tropical blast ready to break May record

BRITAIN could roast on the hottest May day for 176 years this week before thunderstorms wash out bank holiday Monday, forecasters say.

Temperatures are expected to peak as a tropical blast moves in tomorrow and on Saturday with a “chance” of smashing the 91F (32.8C) May record.

That was set on May 22, 1922 at Camden Square, London, and May 29, 1944, at Horsham, West Sussex, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and Regent’s Park, London. Met Office records began 176 years ago in 1841.

Northern England and Scotland are both expecting 82.4F (28C), while Phuket in Thailand will have temperatures of 84F (29C) and Mexico City a mere 80F (27C).

But the Met Office said showers will hit parts of the West on Saturday and, after a dry 82.4F (28C) Sunday, thunderstorms threaten much of England into a 77F (25C) bank holiday Monday. Emma Sharples, a Met Office forecaster, said: “There is a chance of a 32.8C May record temperature, with the low 30s possible on Friday and, most likely, Saturday. Tropical maritime air and a southerly feed will be across the country from late Thursday, with sunshine boosting temperatures.

“But thundery showers could sweep in late Sunday into Monday.”