Hot weather maps show 24C heat returning in days as Caribbean jet stream hits UK

The hot weather is set to return across the UK as a Caribbean jet stream hits the nation. According to the latest weather maps from forecaster WXCharts, temperatures could peak at 24C in some parts while the majority of England will bask in conditions of 20C or higher.

The maps show a jet stream arriving at 6am on Thursday, May 21 before the weather warms up over the following days. The mercury will hit 24C in London at 6pm on Friday, May 22 with highs of 23C in Cambridge at the same time. Meanwhile, the Midlands can expect temperatures of around 21 while the south coast of England will see conditions averaging around 20C. Further north, the maps show temperatures of 21C in Liverpool and 19C in Newcastle at 6pm next Friday.

The warmer weather will persist into Saturday, May 23, with widespread temperatures of 20C or higher. According to the maps, London will once again be the hottest area with highs of 23C at 6pm.

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Meanwhile, the mercury will peak at 22C in the Midlands, 21C in Exeter, Bristol, Cambridge and Southampton. In Wales, Cardiff can expect temperatures of 20C while it will be slightly cooler in northern areas with highs of 18C at 6pm.

In northern England, Liverpool is forecast to have temperatures of 19C while parts of Yorkshire, including Leeds, can expect highs of 22C. Meanwhile, the mercury is expected to be at 15C in Newcastle with similar temperatures expected throughout Scotland.

Separately, in its long-range forecast for the UK, which runs from Saturday, May 16, until Monday, May 25, the Met Office states that conditions could become "changeable" and "rather unsettled" at times. As well as periods of wet weather, temperatures could also be volatile, including the possibility of warmer conditions at the end of the period.

The forecaster states: "Changeable and at times rather unsettled conditions look to dominate through the middle part of May, with low pressure often close by.

"This means periods of rain or showers, some of which could be heavy, for many places, though some drier interludes are also expected. Initially temperatures likely cooler than average, but tending to recover, perhaps becoming rather warm by the end of the period as it tends to become more settled, especially in the south."

Met Office 5-day forecast for the UK

Today:

Cloud and patchy rain across central areas continues southwards, clearing the UK into the evening. Sunny spells elsewhere, but a few showers over northern Scotland and eastern coasts of England, where it will be breezy. Below-average temperatures for most.

Tonight:

Cloud and rain moves southeast across Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight. Elsewhere, dry with clear spells and lighter winds, allowing a rural frost to form in places.

Tuesday:

Rain in the north gradually clear south through the day. Sunny spells following with scattered showers in the north and northwest. Feeling chilly, especially in the brisk northerly breeze.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Blustery with sunny spells and heavy showers on both Wednesday and Thursday. More settled on Friday with drier and brighter conditions. Remaining chilly throughout with a risk of overnight frost.