The Met Office has played down rumours of “African plumes” bringing 35C weather to the UK this summer, however they have said there is an “increased chance” of heatwaves.
A forecast from Exacta Weather had said temperatures could regularly rise into the 30s this summer as hot air masses swept up from Africa.
Honor Criswick, a Met Office meteorologist, said the event would be “unprecedented, but not impossible.”
Speaking to The Independent, she said: “We had a similar set-up last summer, though there were additional factors at play, with a high to the east of the UK bringing hot air up from the south/southeast.”
Ms Criswick said there was “some uncertainty” with the predictions, as there always is with long-range forecasts, but added that there is a “greater than normal chance” of heatwaves this summer.
She added that the rising temperatures were “consistent with our warming climate”, saying: “Outlook forecasts are for the average conditions over the UK as a whole, for the period as a whole, so we can expect regional variations.
“So far for May, there is a higher than normal chance of warmer temperatures, however near average or cool conditions remain possible. Looking ahead into June and July, the chance of it being hot is higher than normal however near average temperatures remains the most likely outcome.
“There is also a greater than normal chance of impacts from hot weather such as heatwaves.
“The increased chance of warm conditions through the period is consistent with our warming climate.
“Whilst this doesn’t necessarily mean a heatwave will occur, it does increase the likelihood of this compared to normal.”
The current Met Office long-range forecast for the UK, says that between May 29 and June 12 we can expect drier weather and higher temperatures.
It says: “The most likely scenario for the end of May is for drier weather in the north, with an increased chance of periods of rain and possibly thunder in the south and southwest.
“Into June, high pressure is predicted to remain dominant, especially for northern areas, with cloud, rain and showers more likely to the south, although there is a level of uncertainty associated with this.
“An increased likelihood of above average temperatures for many.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel