Heatwave London May 2022: when is nine-day mini heatwave coming, and what is Met Office weather forecast?

People of the UK are to potentially brace themselves for a heatwave in May, just mere weeks after people predicted an April heatwave.

Unfortunately for some, that April heatwave never happened and the weather took a slight turn for the worse.

But, as the weather is now largely improving around the UK, there’s a rumour that there could be a heatwave in May.

After months of poor weather, with visits from the powerful and destructive Storm Eunice and Storm Franklin, a nice heatwave would be welcomed by many across the country.

What is a heatwave?

A heatwave is an extended period of hot weather, that is relative to the conditions usually expected at a certain period of the year. It is common for a heatwave to bring along humidity with it.

A heatwave in the UK has to meet a threshold to be classed as a heatwave. This is when a certain location records a period at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heat wave temperature threshold. The threshold for this temperature varies by UK county.

Why do heat waves happen?

Whilst some of us love the heat and warm weather, heat waves can sometimes be too excessive.

Heatwaves occur when high pressure develops across an area. High pressure systems often move slow, which is why some heat waves can last days, even weeks

Are heatwaves linked to climate change?

Heatwaves are classed as extreme weather events, but research has suggested that climate change is making heatwaves occurred on a more regular basis.

It is believed that heatwaves are becoming more a common occurrence due to the sheer amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Will there be a heatwave?

The seasonal transition between spring and summer is still continuing, including weather.

Recently, there has been warmer weather, but could that indicate a heatwave? The Met Office say this:

“After an unsettled end to this week with some rain for western areas, high-pressure looks to be building back in from the south on Saturday, setting up what should be a relatively warm spell with temperatures likely reaching the low 20s for some areas, most likely in the south.”

Despite the rumours of a potential heatwave, the Met Office say locations in the country “look shy” to reach the threshold for a heatwave, meaning it is unlikely.

What does the Met Office’s long range weather forecast say?

For the next week in London, the weather continues to be inconsistent, but dry. Sunny intervals is the common theme for the next week largely dominated by light clouds.

For the UK, the Met Office long-range weather forecast from 10 May to 19 May says:

“Largely cloudy across much of the northwest of the UK, with a few showers, the odd one of which may turn heavier. However, some brighter or sunny spells also possible at times.

“Largely fine and dry for southern and eastern areas with some sunny spells and feeling rather warm to very warm at times.

Areas of low cloud and fog still possible around some coasts, most likely in the south and west, where it may feel cooler.

“Windy across the north, with temperatures here remaining close to average, but winds light or moderate elsewhere. Towards the end of the period, a general change to lower pressure - especially across the north - may bring more unsettled conditions with spells of rain or showers for most.”

What was the hottest day of the year so far?

On 15 April 2022, the UK hit temperatures as high as 23C in some places, eclipsing temperatures seen in the likes of California and Ibiza.