The Met Office has pinpointed 12 counties in central and south-eastern England that are likely to see thundery rain on Saturday, as the recent heatwave finally comes to an end.
Forecasters said central and south-eastern parts of England – both among the many areas in drought following the recent hot spells – are particularly likely to see showers.
Thundery downpours expected
Meteorologist Clare Nasir said: “As the cloud slips down towards the south-east, these thundery downpours will be sporadic, and they will tend to ease through Saturday.”
“As we head through the day on Saturday, a mix of cloud and sunshine. Notice first thing again one or two heavier downpours could be possible and again with the risk of thunder here.”
Heat records broken
It comes after the nation melted on Thursday with temperatures hitting 38.1C in London, the fifth hottest day on record. Parts of the Midlands, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and the south-east saw temperatures pass 30C again on Friday.
The Met Office’s chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: "This current spell of extreme heat is the latest in a remarkable summer. Numerous temperature records have been broken and we’ve seen an exceptionally dry season across much of England and Wales too."
Heat health alert extended
A heat health alert was extended until Saturday for much of England amid warnings that high temperatures may increase health risks for vulnerable groups. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) extended the amber alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, London and East of England until 10am on Saturday.
By Sunday, temperatures will return to around average for this time of year of between 17C and 26C. It will remain dry for most of the UK over the weekend, but Met Office maps show heavier rain falling in south-east and eastern parts of England on Saturday morning.
Counties facing thundery rain
The 12 counties that could face thundery rain on Saturday are: Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.
