Heatwave could hit parts of UK this week, says Met Office – as 29C temps to trigger thunderstorms & ‘intense’ downpours
A HEATWAVE could hit parts of the UK this week as temperatures soar to highs of 29C, the Met Office has said.
However, these hot conditions are expected to also trigger thunderstorms and potentially “intense” downpours as early as tomorrow.
The forecaster explained that a “plume of warm air” moving in from the south will “drive a change to the weather later this week”.
Despite triggering thunderstorms in some regions, the warm air is set to push temperatures as high as 29C by Friday.
These hot conditions could mean that heatwave thresholds are crossed in parts of the Midlands, northern Wales, and northern England.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone explained: “As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales, however it is very dependent on cloud cover later this week, so it is not a certainty.”
However, wet conditions are expected to bring potentially “intense” downpours before the warmest weather hits.
While tomorrow is expected to be a “largely fine and dry day” for much of the UK, the Met Office has warned that thundery showers are likely to move in throughout the evening and overnight.
This could lead to some western areas experiencing between 20-40mm of rain over just a few hours as “intense” downpours move through to the northeast.
These showers could also lead to “frequent” lightning for some, the forecaster warned.
Mike said: “After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening.
“These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south.
“The intense rainfall could see 20-40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption.
“While there are no severe weather warnings issued at the moment, it is possible thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week.”
But, following this stormy weather, temperatures are expected to continue to climb.
Highs of 27C are forecast for tomorrow and Thursday, while Friday could see temperatures crawl up to a toasty 29C – potentially leading to heatwave conditions in some areas.
Met Office five-day forecast
Today: Low cloud and patchy light rain across the south this morning, will become restricted to the far south during the afternoon.
Otherwise increasing amounts of sunshine developing throughout today with morning showers tending to die out. Feeling warmer for many.
Tonight: Dry for most tonight with variable cloud and clear spells.
The clearest skies in the north, where it will turn chilly. Mild in the south though with some patchy fog.
Wednesday: Morning low cloud across the south will burn away to leave a largely dry and sunny day for many, with a few showers in the west. Widely very warm.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Very warm and humid on Thursday and Friday with the risk of some heavy and thundery downpours developing.
Further heavy rain possible on Saturday, but feeling fresher from the south.
The highest temperatures are expected in southeast and central England, the Met Office said.
However, the areas most likely to break heatwave thresholds are northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales.
The hot conditions could be the perfect invitation for Brits to go and enjoy the sunshine on beaches and in parks, following the thunderstorms.
Heading towards the end of the week, the Met Office said the humid and thundery airmass would be displaced by “fresher” and more settled conditions.
While the south is forecast to have temperatures a little above average by the end of the weekend, northern areas are “likely to be more changeable”.
The forecaster said that some areas, especially the northwest, could see spells of stronger winds, cloud, and some rain at times.