Met Office raises possibility of summer heatwaves

TEMPERATURES will be hotter than usual throughout the late spring and into early summer, weather forecasters are predicting.

According to the Met Office, the risk of heatwaves will be greater than normal.

The Met Office said: “There is an increase in the likelihood of warmer-than-average conditions in the month ahead.

“Predictions are consistent in suggesting an increase in the likelihood of temperatures being above average overall. While this doesn’t necessarily mean heatwaves will occur, it does increase the likelihood of heatwaves compared to normal.”

Exacta Weather’s James Madden told the Express: “There is now the potential for a major spell of warm weather to develop during the latter part of May or early June.”

Coral has cut the odds on this summer steaming into the record books from 5/4 from 3/2.

Spokesman John Hill said: “The betting is pointing to a record hot summer this year in the UK.

“After what has been an unsettled couple of weeks, it is something to look forward to.”

Ladbrokes is offering 2/1 – from 4/1 on this month turning out to be the hottest May ever..

Spokesman Alex Apati said: “We’re strapping in for a recordbreaking month of sunshine ahead.”

John Hammond, meteorologist for Weather-trending, said: “Through the early days of May, high pressure will maintain a barrier, meaning any wet weather will be sporadic and unreliable. Winds will also continue to be deflects, still coming from a cooler northerly source than some might like.

“Later in the week there is a chance we may well endure a fresh wave of Arctic air, raising the possibility of overnight frost, especially in northern areas.”

Forecasters agree rain will be in short supply through the next week at least despite the cloud. Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, said: “We are back to being mostly drier than average.

“During the second week of May, there may be more in the way of rain, which should make gardeners and growers happier.”

The forecast for next week predicts Leicester will see highs of about 19C on Monday and Saturday, slightly cooler in between, with a mix of sunshine and clouds.

The start of the following week could seek highs of 23C.