Weather maps turn orange as Saharan plume heads for UK with temperatures set to rocket again

Weather maps have turned orange as a Saharan plume heads for the UK. Brits enjoyed warmer conditions over the weekend, with the sunshine stretching across many parts of Britain.

Despite the sun set to give way to rain, it seems the mercury will rise again. Temperatures are expected to spike once more on Thursday, May 23.

Highs of 22C could be felt in some areas of the country. The Midlands is predicted to see the best of the weather, with the north east of England and Yorkshire also seeing warmer conditions.

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London will also peak at 22C, while Northern Ireland could see highs of 23C. The Met Office said the UK will 'still feel warm', Express reports.

London and Cambridge were said to be some of the warmest areas in the UK last weekend, with thousands flocking to beaches and parks to soak in the sunshine. There will be showers this week, with flood warnings issues.

The Met Office has warned of 'thundery showers' to hit on Friday, May 17. In its long-range forecast for Friday, May 17, to Sunday, May 26, the Met Office said: "Changeable with showers developing by day across the UK through the end of the week and over the weekend.

"The heaviest showers and greatest risk of thunderstorms across southern parts. Temperatures generally around or just a little above average, though with winds tending to be light, still feeling warm in sunnier areas.

"Over the weekend there are signs that showers may start to ease from the north with drier, more settled conditions probably becoming established for a time. Confidence lowers into the following week with signals unclear how prolonged the influence of higher pressure will be.

"So after a potentially more settled spell of weather, unsettled conditions are likely to return during the week with the wettest conditions in the west. Above average temperatures more likely than below."