The Met Office has announced that thunderstorms and heavy downpours are set to sweep across the United Kingdom, marking a significant shift in conditions following the recent heatwave. This change comes after record-breaking temperatures were recorded earlier in the week, with 35.1°C measured in Kew Gardens, west London, and 32.9°C at Cardiff's Bute Park on Tuesday.
On Sunday, Bushy Park in Richmond upon Thames recorded the highest temperature of the day at 24.7°C, according to the Met Office. However, the weather pattern is now set to change dramatically, with cooler and wetter conditions expected across the country.
Forecast Details
Rebecca Mitchell, senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, explained: "Going into next week, there is a big change on the way. We've got spells of rain, possible thunderstorms, and some strengthening winds through much of the week. The other part of the story is the temperatures will be much lower compared to the week just gone. They'll be around average for the time of year, which typically is around 17 to 19 degrees in the north and around 18 to 21 degrees in the south, so about 14 degrees lower in some places compared to the previous week."
Monday's Weather
On Monday, heavy rain is expected to move across the entire country, with significant rainfall particularly in parts of Wales. Ms Mitchell noted: "We're not expecting too many impacts from this because it has been so dry recently for many places, and actually for some areas the rain will be welcome, I think, for gardeners, farmers, anyone hoping for some rain."
Tuesday and Beyond
Following Monday's rain, Tuesday is forecast to bring heavy showers and potential thunderstorms. The main areas likely to see thunderstorms include central and southern areas, such as Northern Ireland, northern England, southern England, and Wales. For the remainder of the week, much of the country will experience "unsettled weather" with some sunny spells and highs reaching the low-20s Celsius.
Heatwave Impact
The cooler conditions come after at least 14 people died during the heatwave after encountering difficulties in bodies of water, prompting emergency services to issue safety warnings. On Sunday morning, South Yorkshire Police reported that a search was ongoing at the River Don in Mexborough after an 11-year-old boy entered the water on Saturday evening and did not resurface. Officers were called to the scene at Ferry Boat Lane at 7.59pm on Saturday, with assistance from the National Police Air Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services. The boy's family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.
Additionally, thousands of people in Kent experienced disruptions to their drinking water supply over the weekend as South East Water continued to address issues following the hot weather. By Sunday evening, the company reported that drinking water supplies had been restored for most customers across the county, including those in Whitstable and Herne Bay. However, approximately 4,058 customers in areas such as Whitstable, Coxheath, and Loose may still be experiencing low pressure or intermittent supply. South East Water apologized for the disruption and stated that they are working to resolve the remaining issues.
