Met Office confirms UK’s warmest day of the year so far as nation sizzles

The Met Office has confirmed that the UK has seen its warmest day of the year so far. The Exeter-based forecaster revealed that yesterday (May 21) was the warmest day so far with the mercury reaching 23.3C in Porthmadog, North Wales.

In a statement on Twitter, a spokesperson for the Met Office wrote: “The latest view from space shows mixed fortunes across the UK. In the sunshine across Wales we have seen the warmest day of the year so far with 23.3C being recorded at Porthmadog.

“Under the cloud across Scotland temperatures in places have struggled to climb into double figures.”

READ MORE: Met Office verdict on scorching African plume heatwave reported to bring 35C heat

It comes after the Met Office responded to reports that temperatures in Britain could hit 35C in the coming weeks due to ‘African plumes’ sweeping across Europe. Rival meteorologists had forecast that the nation is set to bask in very sunny conditions and temperatures of around 35C during the summer months and even into September.

Exacta Weather claimed that hot air masses are set to sweep across Europe between June and September, which could repeatedly push the mercury into the thirties in the UK.

The Met Office previously told DevonLive that it is “too early” to predict what the summer will hold for the UK. Meteorologist Honor Criswick said that such a scenario would be “unprecedented, but not impossible”.

What is the weather forecast for the South West this week?

Today:

Another fine day with plenty of sunny spells. Warm inland and on many southern coasts, but with a freshening northerly breeze, feeling slightly cooler on some northern coasts. Maximum temperature 23C.

Tonight:

Plenty of evening sunshine for most, albeit an outside chance of a shower at first. Dry overnight with clear spells, but becoming somewhat cloudier by dawn. Turning rather chilly. Minimum temperature 6C.

Tuesday:

Another dry and bright day and despite somewhat cloudier skies overall compared to today, some sunshine is still likely at times. Feeling warm with winds a little lighter than today. Maximum temperature 22C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

High pressure keeps it dry this week. Plenty of sunshine for many with some cloudier periods possible. Feeling warm in the sunshine and light winds but nights often quite chilly.

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