This follows a period in which temperatures have remained above the official heatwave threshold in certain parts of the country, particularly across the south. The mercury is expected to reach 33C today, 29C tomorrow and 29C again on Saturday in southern areas. Up north, maximum highs of 29C, 24C and 24C are expected over the three days, the Met Office says.
Despite the lingering heat, the Met Office has been compelled to issue several thunderstorm warnings in recent days. Now, charts from the national weather service indicate that further rainfall is on its way tomorrow.
The charts depict heavy rain sweeping across almost the entirety of Scotland at midday, while a band of rain stretches across England from the south-west to Lincolnshire. This band is anticipated to push south-eastwards throughout the day, reaching London by 5pm. In total, the Met Office charts suggest as many as 51 counties across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland should see some rain.
Ross-shire and Cromartyshire
In its latest weather forecast, the Met Office said temperatures will continue to ease and turn fresher as the hot spell breaks on Friday. “Most will see a noticeable drop from the hottest conditions of recent days, but still above average for many, with the peaks of 28C increasingly confined to the far southeast,” forecasters said.
“Spells of rain will be seen across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland at first, before moving further north. Though some cloud and patchy rain linger in central and southern areas, much of England and Wales will turn brighter and drier through Friday.”
Met Office, Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “We’re now starting to see this spell of very hot weather break down. While parts of the southeast could still reach highs of 32C on Thursday, many areas will begin to feel fresher conditions moving in through Friday and into the weekend as a weak cold front moves southeast and becomes more established across most of the UK by Saturday.
“As the heat starts to ease, the weather will also turn more changeable, with some showers and thunderstorms possible. By the weekend, temperatures should be much closer to average for the time of year with accompanying rainfall for many through the weekend and into the start of next week.”