Warm weather is set to continue to the end of the month before taking a turn for the wet and thundery at the beginning of June, the Met Office says. Over the weekend, the forecaster logged the hottest day of the year so far following a week of sunshine high temperatures - hitting 23C in Bristol today (May 22).
The mercury is not expected to dip below 20C in Bristol this week, with yet more sunshine set for the South West. According to Met Office data, Porthmadog in Wales saw the highest temperature of the year to date, with 23.3C recorded in the sun. Things have remained much cooler to the north, though it appears a flip is on the horizon.
With forecasts expected to change with the month, South West sun-lovers should make the most of the dry weather while they are able. The Met Office's long-range forecast now suggests the current wave of high pressure in the south will move northwards, taking the sun with it.
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The Met Office says this will likely bring unsettled conditions and heavy, thundery showers and the chance for longer spells of rain to the South West. While the forecaster predicts rain, it adds things will probably still be fairly warm. It says: "The start of this period sees generally settled conditions across many parts of the UK, with sunny spells for many.
"Northern regions may see more cloud at times, with weakening bands of rain possible. Temperatures should be above average for most. Feeling warm away from windward eastern coasts, perhaps very warm for the south.
"Into early June, with the focus of high pressure shifting north, there is an increased chance of more unsettled conditions in the south of the UK. This brings the chance of heavy, thundery showers or longer spells of rain here.
"Winds are expected to be generally light, though perhaps moderate in the southeast and far northwest at times. Temperatures staying above normal, and perhaps locally very warm. Conversely, cooler for windward coasts."
This is expected to continue through June, according to the long range forecast from June 5 - June 19: "Spells of unsettled weather are possible in the south of England and Wales, with potentially thundery showers and more extended periods of rain.
"The northern half of the UK is more likely to see settled and dry conditions, with generally light winds inland and stronger sea breezes in coastal regions. Temperatures likely to stay above average for the time of year, though eastern coastal areas may feel cooler due to the stronger onshore winds."
South West Met Office weekly forecast
For this week, at least, Bristolians can expect more warm and sunny weather.
Headline: Generally dry this week, feeling warm in the strong sunshine.
Today: Another fine day with plenty of sunny spells. Warm inland and on many southern coasts, but with a freshening northerly breeze, feeling slightly cooler on some northern coasts. Maximum temperature 23 °C.
Tonight: Plenty of evening sunshine for most, albeit an outside chance of a shower at first. Dry overnight with clear spells, but becoming somewhat cloudier by dawn. Turning rather chilly. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
Tuesday: Another dry and bright day and despite somewhat cloudier skies overall compared to today, some sunshine is still likely at times. Feeling warm with winds a little lighter than today. Maximum temperature 22 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: High pressure keeps it dry this week. Plenty of sunshine for many with some cloudier periods possible. Feeling warm in the sunshine and light winds but nights often quite chilly.
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