The Met Office has given its verdict on when the heatwave will come to an end - and it’s pretty soon. While we’re sweltering today with temperatures predicted to have got up to around 30C in some places, there’s a change on the way.
This weekend has been the subject of a yellow heat-health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office meaning that people should be checking on the elderly and those with health conditions and also that the NHS will be under increasing pressure.
The heat alert runs all weekend until 9am on Monday. People have been enjoying Glastonbury in the sun so far this weekend with many families going to parks, beaches and having barbecues in their gardens. However signs of change came today when the Met Office also issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms is in place for Sunday June 25 from 1pm - 9pm. The Met Office said: “Rainfall amounts will vary significantly, but some locations could see 30-40 mm in 1-2 hours. Frequent lightning, large hail (up to 3 cm in diameter) and strong, gusty winds will be additional hazards.”
From Monday, temperatures are expected to go down, close to the average for this time of year. The Met Office said there will be “a much fresher feel” through the first half of next week.
Forecaster Jonathan Vautrey said this weekend is “very hot and very humid” and the weather will feel “sticky”. He said maximum temperatures will be around 27C or 28C today, especially in southern and south-eastern England.
Temperatures are set to fall significantly on Monday to the early 20s for most areas and the Met Office said for the Monday to Wednesday next week: “A much fresher feel through the first half of next week. There will be some sunshine, although showery rain is also likely, and temperatures will return closer to average.”
Forecast from Thursday June 29 - Saturday 8 Jul 8.
“Although mainly settled initially, with some showers in the north and west, more unsettled conditions are expected to affect the UK at times through this period. Further showers, perhaps turning thundery in the south, with increased amounts of cloud and some persistent, occasionally heavy rain mainly affecting western areas. Best of any drier or sunny weather expected in the east.
“Generally light winds but moderate or strong in the northwest with temperatures close to average, perhaps warm in the east. Towards the end of the period, northern areas are more likely to see settled conditions. While risks of showers, perhaps thundery, will be greatest in the south. However, showery interludes remain a possibility for any part of the country. Temperatures generally around, or just above average.”
