New weather maps show a 24C heat bomb is set to roast Britain. WXCharts has forecast high temperatures to sweep across the country in a fortnight (May 2). These could be the highest temperatures this year, with 24C predicted in London.

It will be coolest in Northern Ireland (Derry, Belfast), where top temperatures will be between 9C and 11C. In the far north of England (Newcastle, Carlisle), there will be highs of 17C.

The rest of the north (Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds), the midlands (Birmingham, Milton Keynes), Wales (Cardiff, Conwy), and the southwest (Plymouth, Exeter) will see highs of 20C. East Anglia (Norwich, Ipswich) and the southeast (Canterbury, Brighton) will be warmer with highs of 22C.

There is a chance of some rain in parts of the country during this spell of hot weather, with showers potentially moving northeast over Wales, the north of England, and the south of Scotland.

The Met Office said of the period: “Early May will probably see a good deal of settled weather with high pressure patterns most likely to dominate.

“There are signs that towards mid May, pressure may fall in the vicinity of the UK, bringing an increased chance of rain or showers.

“Throughout this period, temperatures are expected to be near to a little above average, though some day to day and regional variability is to be anticipated.”

Today:

Rain already across the south and west will spread slowly north and eastwards during the day, however much of eastern England and Scotland will remain dry with some bright or sunny intervals. Feeling warm in the sunnier east.

Tonight:

Windy with spells of rain, heavy at times, in the south and west will continue overnight. Mostly dry with variable amounts of cloud elsewhere. Milder than the previous night.

Saturday:

Rain gradually easing in the west through Saturday, though still rather cloudy. Drier in the east with some bright spells. A little cooler than Friday in the east.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Remaining changeable towards the end of the Easter weekend. Further spells of rain likely, especially across western areas, although some sunnier intervals also expected. Temperatures likely to remain near average.