London Weather: A Sunny Thursday Ahead, But Rain on the Horizon

Londoners are waking up to another beautiful day, with Thursday, May 15th, promising sunshine and warmth. But while the current forecast is delightful, a dramatic shift in weather is on the cards for later this month, with a massive rain system predicted to hit the UK.

Thursday's Delightful Forecast

Let's focus on the good news first: Thursday in London is expected to be glorious. The morning will start off clear and calm, with temperatures around 8°C gently climbing to a pleasant 10°C by 6 am. A light northeast breeze will be the only company for early risers. No rain is anticipated, and the UV index will remain low initially.

• Morning (00:00-06:00): Clear, calm, 8-10°C, light NE winds (7-9 mph), low UV.

As the day progresses, things only get better. By midday, temperatures will reach a comfortable 18°C under clear skies. The light northeast breeze will pick up slightly (9-11 mph), but the rain will stay absent – the chance is less than 5%. The UV index will be moderate by this point.

• Midday (06:00-12:00): Clear skies, 18°C, light NE winds (9-11 mph), moderate UV, <5% chance of rain.

The afternoon continues the sunny trend, with temperatures peaking around 20°C. The light northeast wind remains consistent (11-13 mph), and the chance of rain stays negligibly low (<5%). However, this is when sun protection becomes crucial, as the UV index climbs to moderate-high levels.

• Afternoon (12:00-16:00): Sunny and warm, 20°C, light NE winds (11-13 mph), moderate-high UV, <5% chance of rain. Remember your sunscreen!

As evening approaches, temperatures will gradually decrease to around 8°C by 11 pm. The light northeast wind persists, rain remains unlikely, and the UV index drops to very low levels as darkness descends.

• Evening (16:00-23:00): Cooling temperatures, 8°C by 11 pm, light NE winds, very low UV, no rain expected.

The Storm Brewing

While Thursday promises sunshine, weather forecasts suggest a significant change is coming. Large-scale weather maps indicate a potential “850-mile wall of rain” sweeping across the UK starting around May 23rd. This extensive rain system is expected to bring heavy downpours and significantly cooler temperatures. This would mark a dramatic shift after an exceptionally dry spring – one of the driest in over a century.

The Met Office, while confirming the possibility of more changeable conditions towards the end of next week, emphasizes that it's still too early for precise predictions. However, various weather models consistently point towards significant rainfall and a noticeable temperature drop around the 23rd.

The predicted temperature drop is also noteworthy. Some forecasts indicate a potential plunge to near-freezing temperatures in parts of the UK, including the possibility of temperatures as low as 2°C even in London, a stark contrast to the current pleasant weather.

Enjoy the Sunshine, But Stay Informed

For now, Londoners can enjoy the sunshine and warmth of Thursday. However, it's wise to keep an eye on weather updates in the coming days, as the upcoming change promises to be substantial. Prepare for a shift from balmy weather to potentially cooler, wetter conditions in the latter half of next week.