UK weather - temperature to hit 27C as sizzling 'Iberian plume' predicted

05 June 2023 , 03:38

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Britain could experience its hottest day of the year later this week (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Britain continues to enjoy its long stretch of sunny conditions as the country could experience the hottest day of the year later on this week.

The highest temperature in the UK so far this year was 25.1C in Porthmadog last Tuesday, with the Welsh town peaking at a British-high of 24.2C on Friday too, and forecasters believe there is a possibility that the mercury could climb higher than that mark.

Predictions suggest highs of 24C are expected early next week as an 'Iberian plume' makes its way towards us before it is set to get even hotter as we head into the second half of the week, starting on Thursday.

The south west of England and parts of Wales could reach 26C from Thursday onwards (Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)

Met Office meteorologist Stephen Dixon told Sky News it is "not beyond the realms of possibility" that next week could bring the hottest day of the year, adding: "As we move towards next weekend there’s a signal for temperatures possibly getting towards the mid-20s."

Majority of the country will feel "very pleasant with sunshine", according to Mr Dixon, but warmer places could climb to 24C or 25C with a small chance of sheltered spots in the west could reach 26C.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

The hot weather will bring a strong UV index rating (PA)

Met Office meteorologist Rachel Ayers added: "We’d be looking at that somewhere in the west, probably similar kind of areas, parts of Wales, maybe south west England."

With the hot conditions continuing, the UV index rating is set to be high so sunscreen is vital for those heading to the beach or sunbathing, while pollen levels are set to increase as more grasses come into flowers.

The Met Office's long-range weather forecast from June 6 to June 15 states the UK is likely to see a continuation of the recent dry weather.

UK five-day Met Office weather forecast

Today:

A cloudy start for central and eastern areas, with the cloud slowly burning back towards the east. Western areas seeing the best of the sunshine where it will feel very warm in places. Breezy in the far southeast.

Tonight:

Low cloud in the north and east gradually extending westwards overnight, with some patchy drizzle later on upslopes. Clear spells elsewhere allowing it to turn chilly for early June.

Tuesday:

Cloud slowly burning back to the east, but some places remaining rather grey and chilly throughout. Best of the sun again in the west, where it will feel warm.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Staying largely settled with sunniest skies in the west. Feeling very warm in the sun, but chilly along eastern coasts. Perhaps a few showers in the southwest on Friday.

Josh Luckhurst