The Met Office has issued a UK thunderstorm warning for 15 areas this week, following weeks of hot weather. Heavy rain, strong winds, and stormy conditions are expected to replace the scorching heat.
Thunderstorms to Hit Southern England First
Forecasters warn that a turbulent mix of heat, torrential downpours, and stormy conditions will batter the country. Sun-worshippers will need umbrellas as early as Tuesday, with thunderstorms, "the odd shower," and blustery winds predominantly affecting southern England.
By Wednesday, muggy conditions will continue to brew trouble. The Met Office warns there will be "a risk of some showers and some thunder in parts of the south," though sunseekers can still expect "more warm sunshine to come."
Thursday and Friday: Continued Storm Risk
The weather takes a dramatic turn on Thursday, with the official forecast stating: "Likely seeing further showers and thunderstorms on Thursday. Also plenty of sunshine. Very warm, locally hot, though closer to average temperatures in the north east."
Heading into Friday, the atmospheric chaos shows no signs of slowing down. Forecasters note it will be "Similar to previous days with a risk of thunderstorms, as well as some sunshine. Lighter winds. Very warm and feeling hot in the southeast."
Long-Range Forecast: Unsettled Spell Ahead
A long-range forecast stretching from Friday 17 to Sunday 26 reveals that the summer washout could be here to stay. The forecast states: "A change in weather pattern is likely by the start of this period, with the preceding dry and sunny weather breaking down into a more unsettled spell. Some heavy and thundery showers are likely, particularly across the south of the UK."
Into the following week, a short spell of more settled weather is likely at first, before more changeable conditions return later. "This brings showers or longer spells of rain at times, perhaps heavy and thundery in places. Temperatures are likely to be above normal."
Full List of UK Areas Expected to Experience Thunderstorms
England: Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Brixham, Lyme Regis, Taunton, Poole, Bristol, Southampton, Weston-super-Mare, Barnstaple.
Wales: Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Aberystwyth.
