Reports suggest the UK could see temperatures in excess of 35C this summer. A forecast from Exacta Weather claimed "African plumes" could sweep across the nation between June and September.
The Met Office has now given it's verdict on the heatwave rumours. Meteorologist Honor Criswick said that such a scenario would be “unprecedented, but not impossible”.
She told The Independent: “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." She added that there is "always some uncertainty" when trying to predict a long-range forecast.
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However, there is a "greater than normal chance" of particularly hot weather in the UK this summer. According to Ms Criswick, this is "consistent with our warming climate".
She explained: “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.”
Last summer, the UK saw temperatures reach 40C for the first time ever. The Met Office issued its first-ever red warning for extreme heat while the government declared a national heatwave emergency.
Met Office long range forecast for UK
Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 28
The Met Office says: "Some showers likely to develop on Friday across much of the UK, interspersed with sunny spells. Mainly dry across parts of the northwest and southeast and possibly breezy here.
"Into the weekend a high-pressure ridge is most likely to extend across the UK, resulting in a good amount of fine and dry weather for most. Into the next week a continuation of these settled conditions is expected, with fine and dry weather for many.
"The greatest chance of rain or showers is for the far northwest and southeast. Winds staying generally light, although possibly a bit stronger in the far south, southeast and northwest. Temperatures most likely above average overall, although most likely closer to average in the southeast."
Monday, May 29 to Monday, June 12
The Met Office 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."
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