emperatures soar across the south-east, while the west and north experience cooler, rainy weather.
The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 27.5°C (81.5°F) at Heathrow on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Met Office. This surpasses the previous high of 23.6°C, recorded in Faversham, Kent, on May 6.
Although May’s average high for the south of England is typically around 17°C, temperatures in the late 20s are not unusual, particularly towards the end of the month. However, this rise in temperature does not meet the criteria for a heatwave, which is defined by the Met Office as three consecutive days with temperatures above 28°C.
While the south enjoys warm weather, the west and north are experiencing cooler conditions. A band of rain is moving through Northern Ireland, with temperatures expected to reach 14°C in Belfast. The rain will spread across the west and north, bringing winds and a drop in temperature.
