The pleasant weather that has been prevailing in much of the UK is expected to continue into the beginning of the following month. Recent weather maps indicate warm conditions with highs of up to 23C on May 1 across various regions. London and parts of the East of England, including areas near Norwich and the North Norfolk Coast, are expected to experience temperatures reaching 23C. Kent, including Southend-on-Sea, as well as cities like Cambridge, Colchester, Ipswich, and Margate, are forecasted to have temperatures ranging from 21C to 22C.
According to the Met Office’s long-range forecast covering April 30 to May 9, dry weather with sunny spells and light winds are expected initially, followed by the possibility of showers or longer spells of rain with strong winds later on. Temperatures are likely to be around normal levels. The Met Office anticipates pleasant and bright weather in the upcoming days with warm air moving northwards, resulting in highs in the low to mid-20s across England and Wales.
Looking ahead to the period between May 9 and May 23, low pressure systems are projected to dominate, leading to showers or longer spells of rain, possibly heavy in some areas with strong winds. Temperatures are expected to be close to or slightly below normal initially but may rise slightly above normal later in the month.
The UK has been experiencing remarkably mild conditions this spring, with a peak temperature of 26.6C recorded in south-west London on April 8. The Met Office confirmed this as the hottest day of 2026 so far. The highest recorded April temperature stands at 29.4C in London’s Camden Square in 1949.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keate mentioned that high pressure would continue to influence the weather over the weekend, leading to dry conditions with sunshine for most places. Temperatures are expected to climb steadily, reaching the low 20s during Friday and the weekend, although coastal areas may be slightly cooler due to onshore breezes.
