UK weather forecast: Heatwave, rain and a mixed bag of weather in store

Brits are bracing for a mixed bag of weather, with initial hot spells potentially reaching 27C giving way to more typical temperatures in the next few days. The weather will return to warmer conditions in early June, accompanied by rain, potential gales, and possible thunderstorms, particularly in the north and northwest, according to forecasts from the Met Office and Netweather.

The fluctuating conditions are influenced by the jet stream, which may buckle and lead to a sunnier start to June, although the Bank Holiday weekend is expected to be mixed with rain. Temperatures are predicted to peak late May, potentially bringing very warm conditions, especially in the south. The long-range forecast indicates changeable weather across the UK with a regional divide, the northwest is likely to experience wetter conditions, while the south and southeast should enjoy dryer spells.

A hot air mass is expected to move towards the UK, potentially bringing Caribbean-like highs of 27C. This could prompt many to take advantage of the sunny weather.

United Kingdom faces heatwave

However, this heatwave is expected to be short-lived. Temperatures are predicted to return to normal by Monday, only to possibly rise again by Tuesday, June 3.

The Met Office's long range forecast suggests a changeable pattern. "Though possibly more settled initially, likely continuing changeable with further frontal systems running east into the UK bringing further spells of rain, with showery interludes in-between."

There is also a heads-up for potential gales. These are most likely in the north and northwest.

Temperatures are expected to be around normal overall. However, they will be cooler in prolonged periods of rainfall.

Temperatures are predicted to peak late on Friday (May 30) into Saturday (May 31). The heatwave is expected to stretch from London to North Yorkshire, the East Midlands, and West Midlands, with highs of 24C.

For the rest of the week, the forecast says: "Further spells of rain spreading in from the west at times, interspersed with sunny spells and scattered showers. Windy at times and temperatures around average for the time of year."

Netweather's latest forecast points towards a "sunnier" start to June. This follows hints of the jet stream beginning to buckle by May 30.

The jet stream has a significant effect on the weather. It affects the trajectory and potency of weather systems.

The anticipation of a warm Bank Holiday weekend has fallen short. Jo Farrow elaborated: "This Bank holiday weekend does look mixed with bands of rain, particularly at night, along with scattered showers."

Warmer temperatures may start to climb the following weekend. Temperature anomaly maps suggest that by June 4, we might see much higher temperatures than average for this time of year.

From May 28 to June 6, the Met Office has forecasted a "changeable" weather front. It predicts that "further frontal systems running east into the UK bringing further spells of rain" along with "showery interludes".

The Met Office also indicated the potential for strong winds, especially in the northwest.

It also mentioned the possibility of higher temperatures. "Meanwhile there is the possibility of some very warm, perhaps hot conditions developing, especially in the south and these bring with them the chance of thunderstorms."