Friday 22nd May
The sun took a while to break through the cloud on Thursday morning but became very strong in the afternoon lifting the temperature to a maximum of 23.3C at 17.04, which was exactly 6C above average. It was the warmest day since 26th August last year. The UV light rose into the ‘Very High’ category with a value of 7.1 at 13.30. The clear overnight sky meant a cooler night although with a minimum of 8.4C at 04.55 early Friday, just before sunrise in Marlborough at 05.06, it was 1.4C above the May average.
Friday initially arrived with muted sunshine through a vale of thin, high cloud, although the thermometer had already risen to 16.5C by 08.00. Today will see the thermometer rise very high due to the flow of very warm air from North Africa and the near Continent, thanks to a light southerly breeze.
The past three warmer days and nights have seen the ground begin to absorb the warmth with the ground temperature at a depth of 5cm, read at 08.00, rise significantly with 12.5C, 13.8C and 15.1C respectively over the past three days.
The large area of high pressure now extends from Europe down to the Azores, which will dominate our weather well into next week that will see temperatures rise very high, close to heatwave conditions by Sunday.
The Met Office yesterday issued the following advice to consider over the Bank Holiday
Met Office encourages public to be WeatherReady as Bank
Holiday temperatures set to rise
Author: Press Office
09:56 (UTC+1) on Thu 21 May 2026
Updated at 09:56 (UTC+1) on Thu 21 May 2026
The Met Office is encouraging people to be WeatherReady this Bank Holiday weekend as temperatures are set to rise, with many expected to head outdoors and to the coast.
With lifeguard rescues having more than doubled last year according to the RNLI, planning ahead is important. Using tools such as the beach forecasts on the Met Office app helps people to better understand local conditions and stay safe.
This second May Bank Holiday marks the unofficial start of summer for many, and with heatwave criteria possible for some, millions of people across the UK are expected to flock to the coast to enjoy a day at the beach.
But while the beach can be a great place to relax and recharge, it can also present hidden risks. Last year, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeguards helped save more than 36,000 people across UK beaches – a figure that more than doubled compared to the previous year – highlighting the importance of planning ahead and knowing how to stay safe.
Be WeatherReady for the beach
Working alongside trusted water safety partners such as the RNLI, we’re encouraging people to be #WeatherReady and understand the weather and sea conditions before they head out, so they can make informed decisions and enjoy the coast safely.
Met Office Head of Warnings and Guidance, Holly Clements, who leads our response in times of severe weather, said:
“Warm weather on a Bank Holiday draws people outside, but the weather at the coast can change quickly, and conditions like tides, waves and wind can all affect safety at the beach. Sun protection is particularly important here as reflective surfaces like sand and water amplify UV radiation that can damage skin and eyes, even when it’s cloudy.
The air temperature may feel hot at the weekend, however water temperature in our seas is still cool at this time of year.
“By checking the forecast and following simple safety advice, people can reduce the risks and make the most of their time by the sea. Being WeatherReady means having the right information to make informed choices.”