The UK could see a return to notably warmer weather later this month, with forecasters suggesting temperatures may climb to around 25°C in parts of the country by the end of May, according to Sky News reporting based on long-range models and Met Office guidance.
The outlook follows a period of unsettled and cooler-than-average conditions, with blustery showers affecting many regions this week.
Unsettled start to the outlook period
Meteorologists say the first half of the coming period is likely to remain changeable, with rain and showers continuing across much of the UK.
Sky News meteorologist Dr Christopher England described the forecast as “very early days,” adding there remains “a great deal of uncertainty in any forecast,” but noted a general trend toward rising pressure later in the month.
The Met Office similarly expects unsettled weather to dominate initially, with periods of rain and heavy showers continuing for many areas before conditions begin to improve.
High pressure expected to build later in May
Forecast models suggest a shift towards more settled conditions as the month progresses. High pressure is expected to build from the south, bringing drier and more stable weather patterns.
The Met Office said:
“Temperatures likely cooler than average to begin, but tending to recover as the period progresses, perhaps becoming rather warm by the end of the period, especially in the south.”
This development could bring longer spells of fine weather, particularly in southern parts of the UK.
Possible peak of 25°C
Some long-range forecasts referenced by Sky News indicate that temperatures could reach at least 25°C in certain regions by the final days of May.
While this would represent a significant warm-up compared to recent conditions, forecasters stress that confidence remains low given the nature of extended-range modelling.
Dry conditions raise summer concerns
The potential for warmer and drier weather comes after concerns were raised about early-season dryness in parts of the UK. The Met Office previously reported that several counties experienced one of their driest Aprils on record, increasing attention on possible drought risks heading into summer if dry conditions persist.
Outlook
In summary, the UK is expected to transition from a period of unsettled weather to more stable and potentially warm conditions by late May, though forecasters emphasise uncertainty and variability in the timing and intensity of any warm spell.
As Sky News and the Met Office both note, the most likely pattern is for improving conditions later in the month, with the possibility of brief but notable early-summer warmth.
