The UK's fifth heatwave is set to end with a sharp temperature drop, with some areas seeing lows of 7C and rain forecast for 13 regions starting this weekend.
Temperature plunge and rain forecast
Forecasters predict highs of 36C on Thursday, but by Saturday, August 15, temperatures could fall to 7C. The cool conditions are expected to bring much-needed rain, as drought has been declared for almost three-quarters of England.
The Met Office forecast says: "Sunny spells and showers in the north on Saturday, with mainly dry weather in the south." It adds: "Through Sunday and into the start of the following week, Atlantic frontal systems will probably approach or move across the UK, bringing some rain in places, perhaps heavy at times."
Regional impacts
Scotland is likely to see the most rain, especially in the Highlands, with downpours from 7am to 10pm and temperatures around 7C for most of the day. Elsewhere, scattered showers are possible in Essex and North Yorkshire in the early morning.
By 1pm, rain is expected in the Scottish Borders and Cumbria, where temperatures could feel like 9C. By 4pm, light showers may reach Derbyshire and more rain is expected in Cumbria. By 10pm, drizzle is forecast on the outskirts of Liverpool and Blackpool.
Areas expecting rainfall
- Essex
- North Yorkshire
- Scottish Highlands
- Argyll and Bute
- Scottish Borders
- Dumfries and Galloway
- Cumbria
- Gwynedd
- Derbyshire
- South Yorkshire
- Ayrshire
- Liverpool
- Blackpool
