The Met Office has identified more than 30 regions expected to experience torrential downpours on Wednesday, even as heatwave conditions grip other parts of Britain. Rainfall is forecast to affect Scotland, Northern Ireland, and isolated areas of northwest England, while most of England will remain dry during what could be the fourth heatwave of the year. Cumberland and Lancashire are likely to see rain on Wednesday evening.
Forecast details
The Met Office outlook for Wednesday states: "Rather cloudy across the north, with outbreaks of rain sinking southwards into northern England during the afternoon. Dry and sunny across the south, where it will feel hot and humid." Temperatures in southeast England could reach 35°C, according to the Met Office.
Chief forecaster Gregory Wolverson commented: "This is a short-lived spell of heat, but temperatures will climb quickly through the first half of the week, particularly in the southeast. By Wednesday, some areas could see temperatures in the mid-30°Cs, and while the heat will not be widespread across the whole of the UK, it will be enough for parts of the southeast to likely meet official heatwave criteria by Thursday."
Regional breakdown
Elsewhere, the weather will be more changeable, with cooler, unsettled conditions arriving sooner from the north and west, bringing a mix of sunshine and showers. Across northern areas, heavier showers are possible with a small risk of isolated thunderstorms through the week.
The Met Office predicts rainfall in the following 30 regions: Scotland – Inverness-shire, Argyllshire, Nairnshire, Morayshire, Kincardineshire, Angus, Perthshire, Fife, Kinross-shire, Clackmannanshire, Stirlingshire, West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Peeblesshire, Selkirkshire, Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, Wigtownshire, Buteshire, Renfrewshire, Dunbarton; Northern Ireland – Down, Antrim, Londonderry, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh; England – Cumberland, Lancashire.
Heat health warnings
Amber heat health warnings have been issued for the East Midlands, East of England, London, and the South East for 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday. Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for the same period in the South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & The Humber. Southern Scotland and Northern Ireland could experience heavy downpours and isolated thunderstorms later on Wednesday.
