UK weather: Met Office gives 'heatwave' verdict with 'hot spells' to come

Many people who enjoyed a short period of warm weather last week may be anxious for more as we edge closer to summer.

Unfortunately, we all might have to wait just a little bit longer. The Met Office told the Manchester Evening News that there are no solid signs of a heatwave coming anytime soon in its forecasts.

However, that doesn't mean things won't brighten up a little following a period of sporadic weather with a lot of gusts and rain. According to a Met Office spokesperson, temperatures are set to be pleasant in the coming days, but this will remain average for this time of year.

Read more: Greater Manchester weather forecast as region wakes up to heavy frost

Meanwhile, nighttime temperatures will remain cool or even cold in some parts of the country. While the Met Office hasn't ruled out the possibility of a heatwave further on in the coming months, it is unable to say so with certainty or accuracy due to the unpredictable nature of conditions that far into the future.

Last week, temperatures reached up to 20C in the south of England with forecasters expecting similarly warm conditions. Discussing the odds of a heatwave, a spokesman told the Mirror: "It could be May into June that we meet the heatwave threshold as there's nothing to indicate it sooner.

"There is some pleasant weather forecast this weekend for many, which will be a boost after unsettled weather recently."

He added: "We have still got a showery picture this week. Then high pressure will return for the weekend, so it will feel very different on the weekend to what many are experiencing now.

"The best weather on the weekend will be in the south and the west as these areas will hold on to the brighter and sunnier conditions for the longest. We are looking at highs of 16C or 17C."