Heavy rain will hit several areas across the UK this weekend after weeks of scorching weather. Temperatures have been sitting comfortably in the early 20s this week, proving to be a sharp contrast to the heatwave conditions experienced earlier this month.
Parts of the UK have been hit by three blistering heatwaves so far this year, but there's been a dramatic change in the weather this week, and heavy rain and thundery showers are forecast this weekend. While warmer temperatures are forecast in the south, wet weather is expected in the north, which is "much-needed" according to the Met Office.
Friday's Forecast
In the Met Office precipitation map, small patches of rain are first visible at 7.30am on Friday, July 24. But the rain moves further east and it looks to be a largely dry day. In its outlook for the north west, the UK forecaster said: "Friday looks set to be another fine day. The morning may start a bit grey and misty for some, but plenty of sunshine will develop, heralding a warm afternoon. Maximum temperature 22 °C."
Saturday's Heavy Rain
A huge patch of rain is set to sweep across the UK in the early hours of Saturday, July 25. It hits Liverpool at 3.30am, before moving further south. The rain returns on Saturday evening at 10pm, with heavy showers forecast overnight, signalled by deep patches of blue on the Met Office weather map. The rain lasts overnight before clearing for a dry day on Sunday.
Weekend Outlook
In its outlook for the weekend, the Met Office said: "Conditions will turn cooler over the weekend with some wet and breezy weather moving through from the northwest. Rather cloudy on Monday with a few showers." The Met Office said we should expect to see "fresher conditions" before the return of any scorching weather.
Chief forecaster Steve Willington said: "The high pressure has been a key feature of the UK’s weather forecast over the last few weeks, bringing above-average temperatures and extremely dry conditions for many. However, we will begin to see a modest change as a weak weather front pushes south across the UK on Saturday bringing some much-needed rain, albeit it light and mainly concentrated in the north and west. Behind the front a showery air mass will bring potentially heavy showers some of which may be thundery."
