The Met Office has warned that parts of the UK, particularly Scotland and Northern Ireland, could face thundery rain, lightning and hail on Wednesday. Temperatures have dropped to the mid-to-low 20s after last week's record 38C heat, with downpours expected in some regions.
Forecast details
According to the Met Office's video forecast, meteorologist Rachel Davis said: "Some heavier bursts [are expected] particularly across high ground in the north of England, where it will also be quite murky to start on Wednesday." She added that there would be "some clearer spells across Wales and central parts of England into the early hours of Wednesday, but greater clear spells across Scotland where it could feel quite cool in places - particularly rural areas."
Heavy showers are expected in Scotland and Northern Ireland later in the day. Davis continued: "Rain across the south-east to start Wednesday morning, generally clearing away as we go into rush hour, a few showers starting to develop across England and Wales - but the heaviest and most frequent showers [later] on Wednesday will be across Scotland and Northern Ireland, where we could see some thunder, lightning and hail."
Affected counties
The Met Office forecast maps suggest 33 counties across Scotland and Northern Ireland could face thundery showers, lightning and hail. These include all six counties of Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone) and 27 Scottish counties, from Aberdeenshire and Angus to Wigtownshire.
BBC Weather outlook
BBC Weather also predicts lightning and hail. Its forecast states: "Tomorrow, there will be a mixture of sunny spells, areas of variable cloud, and scattered showers. The showers will be heavy in the north with a chance of lightning and hail. Drier in the south." It adds: "Thursday will be another day of sunny spells and scattered showers. The showers look to become locally heavy in the afternoon in the south, with a risk of thunder and hail. Friday will see a continuation of the sunny spells and showers."
