New weather maps from WXCHARTS indicate a sharp temperature drop across the UK on July 4, just under two weeks after a scorching heatwave that could push thermometers to 40C. The maps show early morning lows of 4C in the Scottish Highlands, with single-digit temperatures across most of the country.
Regional Temperature Breakdown
According to the latest data, England's coldest regions will be the North West and North East, where lows hover around 9C. Further south, East Anglia may see 14C, while the South West and northern Wales could experience 13C. London and the south coast are forecast to reach 12C at 6am on July 4.
A total of 22 counties are projected to fall below 12C, including Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, Cumbria, Tyne and Wear, and Northumberland.
Met Office Outlook
The Met Office forecast for June 17 to July 6 warns of "changeable conditions" as "Atlantic lows move in from the west," with "transient periods of high pressure" bringing spells of rain. The forecast states: "Fairly changeable conditions at first with periods of rain and showers, and there could be some thundery outbreaks at times. There will likely be some drier and brighter spells though."
"Into July changeable conditions are likely to continue as Atlantic lows move in from the west, but with transient periods of high pressure. This will lead to spells of rain and cloud interspersed with more settled periods. Temperatures remain widely above average, and the far southeast may retain some of the hot temperatures at first, but likely cooler than the preceding few days."
Impact and Context
The sudden cold blast follows an intense heatwave that could see temperatures soar to 40C, prompting a red warning from the Met Office for 50 areas. The contrast highlights the volatile weather patterns affecting the UK, with the mercury plunging by as much as 36C in some regions within two weeks.
