UK set to see scorching May heatwave ended by 'final' blast of winter

The UK is set for one final freeze of the year with a 0C chill and frost sweeping across the country amid reports of a 20C mini-heatwave approaching. Maps and charts from WX Charts, using Met Desk data, predict the sub-zero freeze to hit at Thursday, May 16 at midnight.

Predictions show that parts of the Scottish Highlands will be hit by 0C temperatures. In England, highs of just 4C are expected in the North East in Newcastle, while locals face temperatures of 7C in Wales and the south west of England, 8C in London and 9C in the Midlands.

The freeze ends a mini-heatwave which is forecast for next week, which will see the mercury soar everywhere. Maps and charts for the country have burned orange in a May scorcher - with high temperatures all the way to the north and Scotland, including up to 20C in Inverness.

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The BBC Weather team confirms it could be "perhaps cooler" during the middle period of the fifth month of the year. Meteorologists for the broadcaster explained: "There is a chance that similar conditions will prevail in the third week of May, with high pressure remaining well to the west or north-west of the UK and continuing the subdued temperature patterns seen earlier.

"Temperatures could be around or below average. "Later that week and into the fourth week of May, there are signs of a more westerly to south-westerly flow bringing wetter and windier conditions at times, but also opening a window of opportunity for temperatures to potentially rise above average.

"As the week progresses the low pressure is likely to remain closer to the UK or towards Iceland, so the changeable conditions are likely to continue. Confidence remains low at this stage." And the Met Office says: "This will bring more in the way of dry and fine weather for most areas, although there is still a chance of some showers in places, and a risk also of some more persistent rain rounding the high into north-western parts of the country."