Downpours and cloudy skies are expected in some areas this weekend as the record-breaking heatwave gives way to cooler temperatures. While some will enjoy a continuation of warm weather and sunshine, others will face heavy rain before temperatures drop for most next week.
Regional Weather Breakdown
The Met Office reports that those in the South and South East will see a bright start to Saturday, with temperatures remaining above average for the time of year ahead of bright spells on Sunday. However, outbreaks of rain will dampen the weekend for some, with showers expected to be at their most frequent and heaviest in northern and western areas on Sunday.
June is set to begin with rain showers seen more widely, broken up by some brighter intervals, forecasters said.
Forecaster's Perspective
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said next week will bring a change from the heatwave as temperatures fall closer to average. He noted: It has been quite a dry and hot period, so this rain will be much needed and welcome for gardeners, growers, and farmers, given how dry the ground is. So it is a change, but probably a welcome change for those who either dislike the heat or want some rain.
Mr Dewhurst added that there are good signs the heat will return, with warm spells likely following an unsettled start to June. He explained: Particularly during the middle to second half of June, it looks like conditions start settling down with higher pressure more dominant again, so an unsettled start to meteorological summer, but signs that it does settle down as the month goes on.
Record-Breaking Heat and Tragic Incidents
This forecast comes after England and Wales recorded the hottest days in May on record on Tuesday. Temperatures soared to 35.1C in Kew Gardens, west London, while Cardiff's Bute Park reached 32.9C, according to the Met Office.
Tragically, Charlie Noble, 16, became the 12th person to die in a water-related incident during the heatwave when his body was recovered in Stirlingshire, Scotland, on Thursday. There have been deaths in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire, and Lancashire.
Water Supply Issues in Kent
Thousands of people in Kent are expected to face water issues this weekend as South East Water continues to grapple with its supply during the hot weather. Businesses have closed and residents have been queuing at water bottle stations since problems began amid the bank holiday weekend heat.
