Bristol is set to see a break in the sunshine this weekend, according to the Met Office. The forecaster says the city will see rain start to move in ahead of an 'unsettled' period - though things are still expected to be hot, hot hot.
It comes after the forecaster confirmed a heatwave in parts of the country, with temperatures breaking 30C in some areas. Things will remain hot as we head into the weekend, meteorologists say, with above average temperatures for the time of year even as rain and cloud move in.
Bristol will peak at a sweltering 28C today (Friday, June 16), with sunshine and cloud predicted. Some showers are expected overnight and into tomorrow morning (June 29), before drying up around midday. The mercury is expected to hit 24C.
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The Met Office predicts more rainy showers on Sunday afternoon, rolling in from around 1pm accompanied by highs of 23C. Things look much the same moving into next week, with more scattered showers forecast. Temperatures will remain in the low to mid 20s.
While Bristolians are expected to see some rain over the weekend, the Met Office says other parts of the UK are due more thundery showers seen earlier this week in the South West. The forecaster says that, while there is a "risk" of thunderstorms in the South West and parts of Wales, this is unlikely.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates said: “Over the coming days we’ll be transitioning to a more unsettled regime for the UK, though temperatures will remain high and it’ll feel very humid for many.
“Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to become more frequent through the weekend, with the potential for associated hail, lightning and some gusty winds. While the focus of thundery showers on Friday afternoon will be Northern Ireland, that risk spreads more widely across western and southern areas of the UK on Saturday, before pushing further north on Sunday.
"As in many of these situations, these showers can be hit or miss, with some places avoiding them whilst other areas nearby may see some very wet conditions.
“There’s an ongoing likelihood of warnings being issued in the coming days, so keep an eye on the weather forecast for the latest outlook.”
Though details are still being determined on the positioning of the heaviest thundery downpours, in excess of 40mm could fall in some places in a relatively short period of time on Saturday and Sunday. However, temperatures are expected to remain high for the time of year.
The Met Office says: "Accompanied with warm days, night-time temperatures will remain well above average; providing little relief to those more vulnerable to high temperatures. The UK Health Security Agency, which covers the healthcare sector in England, has a Heat Health Alert in force.
"Help to protect the vulnerable people that you know including older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone; they may need support to keep cool and hydrated. For more advice check out the NHS advice on how to cope in hot weather."
South West forecast
Today: Early showers in the far west of Cornwall and any early mist or low cloud clearing quickly, leaving another warm day with some hazy sunny spells. Cloud will slowly spread eastwards bringing an increasing chance of showers through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
Tonight: Some hazy sunny spells into the evening however a continued risk of showers, some of which may be heavy overnight. Feeling warm once again. Minimum temperature 14 °C.
Saturday: Another warm day with some sunny spells, though another rather unsettled day. Staying showery with a risk of some heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Winds remaining light. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Staying unsettled with a continued risk of heavy, thundery showers. Still rather warm, with many of us seeing the return of warm, muggy nights which may feel uncomfortable for some.
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