TL;DR
The Met Office five-day outlook shows the current UK heatwave breaking later this week as cooler Atlantic air arrives. Thunderstorms and heavy showers are likely during the transition. Temperatures are expected to fall back to the high teens and low twenties from the weekend.
The Met Office five-day outlook shows the current UK heatwave breaking later this week as cooler Atlantic air arrives. Thunderstorms and heavy showers are likely during the transition, and temperatures are expected to fall back to the high teens and low twenties from the weekend.
How the heatwave has developed
The current heatwave has been driven by a stationary high pressure system over north-west Europe, with hot air pulled up from north Africa and the Iberian peninsula. Temperatures climbed each day across most of England, peaking at 35.1C at Kew Gardens.
Heat-health alerts have applied across most of England since the early days of the spell, with amber alerts covering the south-east and yellow alerts extending across the rest of the country. Met Office UV forecasts have shown levels of 7 or 8 at midday.
The transition this week
An area of lower pressure is moving in from the Atlantic, bringing cooler air and the prospect of intense thunderstorms as the two air masses meet. The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for parts of England covering the transition period.
Heavy rain, frequent lightning, large hail and surface water flooding are the four named hazards. Travel disruption and power cuts are likely in the worst-affected areas.
Where the storms will hit hardest
Thunderstorm warnings cover a band running from south-west England across the Midlands and into eastern England. The exact polygon of each warning is shown on the Met Office warnings map.
Rainfall totals of 30 to 50mm are possible in localised areas during the storms, which can lead to flash flooding in urban areas. The Environment Agency Flood Information Service publishes flood alerts and warnings as conditions develop.
Weekend and into next week
From the weekend, temperatures are expected to fall back to the high teens and low twenties for much of the UK. Northern Scotland may see cooler temperatures and more showers as the change works north.
Long-range forecasts suggest a more typical UK pattern of mixed sunshine and showers for the early days of June, with no return to extreme heat indicated in the short to medium term.
How to prepare for the change
Move garden furniture and loose items indoors ahead of the storms. Park cars in covered locations to limit hail damage. Check for any flood alerts at your postcode through the Environment Agency Flood Information Service.
Report power cuts on 105 if affected. The 105 service connects to the local distribution network operator. Battery torches, a charged phone and a basic emergency kit can help if the cut lasts more than a few hours.
Key facts
- Heatwave peak provisionally 35.1C at Kew.
- Transition expected later this week.
- Yellow thunderstorm warnings in place across central England.
- Rainfall totals of 30 to 50mm possible during storms.
- Weekend temperatures expected in the high teens and low twenties.
FAQ
When will the UK heatwave break?
The Met Office five-day outlook shows cooler Atlantic air arriving later this week, with temperatures falling back to the high teens and low twenties from the weekend. Thunderstorms are likely during the transition.
Where will the thunderstorms hit?
A band running from south-west England across the Midlands and into eastern England. The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for the transition period, with the exact polygon shown on the warnings map.
How heavy will the rain be?
Rainfall totals of 30 to 50mm are possible in localised areas during the storms, which can lead to flash flooding in urban areas. The Environment Agency monitors river and surface flooding.
Will the heat return after this?
Long-range forecasts suggest a more typical UK pattern of mixed sunshine and showers for the early days of June, with no return to extreme heat indicated in the short to medium term.
