'Mini-heatwave' to hit London with 83 hours of sun before thunderstorms and rain to batter capital

Anna Willis
·3-min read
People swimming in Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead, London in the sunshine
Temperatures of 20C to 23C have been forecast for a week, along with wall-to-wall sunshine -Credit:Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images


London is set have a 'mini-heatwave' this week with temperatures climbing up to 23C for several days before a deluge of rain and thunderstorms are set to return. It's been a long, cold and arguably quite miserable start to 2024 in London, weather-wise. Lots of rain, occasional hail and chilly winds have been the norm for the first four months of the year, but finally it's looking like the city is getting some long-overdue sunshine.

But not just a little bit of sunshine - after so long without, we appear to be in for a mini-heatwave, with wall-to-wall sunshine for a week. According to BBC Weather, the sun has emerged this morning (Tuesday, May 7) and is here to stay for the next five days.

Today, we're in for temperatures reaching 20C, with sun expected all day. The highs then are due to increase from 21C on Wednesday up to 23C on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

READ MORE: 'Versatile' M&S linen shirt so 'stylish' and 'comfortable' shoppers bought several as its perfect for the sunny weather

London is finally going to see some real sunshine in 2024
London is finally going to see some real sunshine in 2024 -Credit:Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket

The Met Office has agreed with the BBC 's latest weather predictions, though suggests that while warm, Wednesday to Friday may not be quite as sunny as the BBC is suggesting. However, temperatures are consistent between the rival forecasters.

The BBC's outlook for Thursday to Saturday says: "Any low cloud, mist or fog soon dispersing to give some sunshine on Thursday. Just the outside chance of a light shower.

"Largely cloudy for most with the odd light shower for the first half of Friday. Cloud will begin to break up in the afternoon, and the outside chance of some patchy rain. Dry and fine on Saturday. Becoming very warm through the period."

But this idyllic weather is sadly not due to last. From Monday May 13, thunderstorms are likely, and the rain is forecast to return all week. That day, it's due to still be quite warm - around 20C - but this then lowers throughout the week, back down to 17C from Thursday, May 16.

According to the BBC, the sunshine won't last and a week of rain is due from May 13
According to the BBC, the sunshine won't last and a week of rain is due from May 13 -Credit:Matthew Chattle/Future Publishing

The BBC is still forecasting sun for some days next week as well - so there will either be lots of rainbows, or the week's weather is still slightly too far off for accurate prediction. The Met Office only provide a forecast for the next seven days, so we just have their prediction for May 13, which is currently due to be 21C and cloudy.

But it's still not likely to be a good week for weather in London, the Met Office says. "Following this spell of pleasant May weather though, it's all change the following week with conditions likely to turn more changeable across the country, with rainfall likely to be above average in most areas," the forecaster has said.

"Some of the rain is likely to be heavy and a few thunderstorms are also likely. Temperatures will return back closer to normal for May."

Got a story for us? Email anna.willis@reachplc.com.

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