Cloud covers Liverpool and the rest of Merseyside today, Thursday, May 8, 2025, as temperatures are expected to hit the mid-teens around 3 PM. The Met Office forecasts that heavy cloud will dominate the skies for much of the day, but breaks in the clouds are anticipated around 4 PM, paving the way for sunny spells later in the afternoon.
The Met Office noted, "Often rather cloudy through this morning, but brighter intervals coming through at times and lengthier periods of sunshine developing during this afternoon. Feeling warm in the strong May sunshine and light winds. Maximum temperature 17C." As the day progresses, the temperature is expected to dip into the evening, with a minimum forecast of 0C overnight.
Looking ahead to the end of the week, Liverpool could see temperatures rise to 20C on Friday, May 9, as the region basks in sunshine. The Met Office predicts, "A dry and often sunny day with patchy fair weather cloud developing. After a fairly chilly start, soon warming up in the strong May sunshine. Lighter winds than of late. Maximum temperature 19C." This trend of pleasant weather is expected to continue into the weekend, with temperatures peaking at 22C on both Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11.
According to the Met Office forecasts, Liverpool might even surpass Barcelona in warmth as the weekend unfolds. The weather agency stated, "Dry over the weekend and into next week with periods of strong sunshine. Becoming very warm by day and nights turning somewhat milder too." This early taste of summer has many residents looking forward to outdoor activities.
As the sunny weather approaches, the Met Office has also reminded the public to be cautious about UV levels. Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, they advised, "Although it may not feel as warm as last week, UV levels are still moderate to high, so don't forget the sunscreen if you are out and about!" The NHS has provided sun safety tips, which include spending time in the shade when the sun is strongest, typically between 11 AM and 3 PM from March to October, and using at least factor 30 sunscreen.
In addition to the immediate forecast for Liverpool, the broader UK weather outlook indicates a significant warm-up in the coming days. Temperatures are set to soar close to 30C next week, with early maps showing that nearly all of the country will enjoy these warm conditions. By Wednesday, May 14, and Thursday, May 15, Greater London is expected to experience scorching temperatures of up to 27C.
Areas such as Oxford, Coventry, Manchester, and Liverpool are projected to reach highs of 26C. Meanwhile, Glasgow and Edinburgh are expected to be around 25C, while Belfast is also likely to break the 20C barrier. The Met Office's long-range forecast describes the upcoming period as predominantly dry across most of the UK, with clear or sunny spells for many regions as high pressure dominates the weather pattern.
However, the forecast does not come without a caveat. The Met Office indicated that, at the start of this period, thicker cloud with some rain or showers, potentially heavy and thundery, might affect the southwest of the UK. There is a chance that more of the UK could be affected on Monday, May 12. Ian Lisk, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained, "It’s all to do with our old friend, the jet stream. Weather typically moves across the UK from west to east, but the north-south amplification of the jet stream has enabled areas of high pressure to hang around in the vicinity of the UK."
This unusual persistence of high pressure has contributed to the dry spring experienced so far, albeit with cooler temperatures. Today's forecast for Thursday, May 8, shows it will be mostly sunny, albeit with a few rain showers. "Staying mostly dry, with sunny intervals and a few isolated showers. Feeling warm in the sunny spells, but chilly at times around southern coasts with brisk winds. Chilly again overnight," the Met Office reported.
As the weekend approaches, the forecast indicates that conditions will remain mostly settled with long clear or sunny spells on Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10. However, it is expected to turn cloudier from the southwest on Sunday, May 11, with an increasing chance of showers, possibly thundery.
In summary, as Liverpool and much of the UK prepares for a significant warm-up, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the sunny weather while remaining mindful of sun safety precautions. With temperatures rising and sunny days ahead, it looks like an early start to summer is on the horizon for Merseyside and beyond.
