UK weather: Brits to bask in glorious sunshine with 31C expected today – before rain hits this weekend
BRITS across the country are gearing up for another day of sun as the mercury is set to hit 31C in certain places.
Most of England and Wales are set to experience warm temperatures with residents in the southeast basking in above 30C heat.
Much of the UK will experience heat in the mid-20s whereas those in Greater London can expect a whopping 31C.
However, rain is set to return as we go further into the weekend.
By Friday evening, thundery showers are set to appear as the weather cools.
The further west you are the more likely you are to experience that drop in temperature.
Brits in the east could still be lounging in 30C heat on Saturday if the weather front stays at the bay long enough.
Yet, the Met has warned locals that they could still experience heavy bursts of rain as the weekend progresses.
There’s potential for thunderstorms in Eastern England by Saturday afternoon into the evening.
The Met Office said on X, formerly Twitter: “High pressure in the East draws up warmer air from the continent over the next few days.
“Temperatures will peak at around 30 Celsius in parts of the southeast by Friday.
“A frontal system pushes the warm air away through Sunday where temperatures will fall towards the low 20s.”
Northern Ireland, northern England and much of Scotland will be feeling cooler, with the potential for some cloud and rain.
As thousands of Brits look to make the most of the hot weather, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed yellow heat alerts in four locations.
East Midlands, East England, London and the South East have been warned to take from yesterday at 5pm – with the alert in place until 11pm on Saturday.
Its warning says the heat could impact vulnerable people as they could become increasingly warm while inside, and there were chances the need for healthcare services could rise.
Meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said to expect high levels of UV as the temps continue to rise from yesterday.
“A little bit warmer extending further north across northeastern areas of eastern Scotland still staying largely dry and seeing temperatures into the low 20s as well but it will be all that bit breezier,” she added
Annie said there was a chance of “30C, potentially 31C is possible for the greater London area”.
The meteorologist added: “Quite widely will be in those high 20s across many central and southeastern areas of England as well.”
A map showed that Norwich and Birmingham would likely hit 28C, Hull 27C, Southampton 26C and Manchester 25C.
It comes just days after the Met Office issued flood warnings.
On Monday, three warnings were issued as Brits were drenched by thundery downpours in a bad omen – as per St Swithin’s Day folklore.
Meanwhile, parts of the country have already well-exceeded July’s average rainfall figures despite only being halfway through the month.
The Met Office spokesperson said England had 97% of July’s average rainfall between July 1 and 15, Wales had 65%, Scotland 49% and Northern Ireland 47%.
London has had 154% of its July average already and Dorset 120%.
Edinburgh has only had 40% and Dundee 33%.
Ms Maxey said: “There are quite big regional differences but overall it’s looking like a wet month so far.
“There is a caveat that, with a dry couple of weeks, by the end of the month things could even themselves out.”
She said that two or three heavy downpours often caused much of a location’s July rainfall totals, rather than a prolonged period of wet weather.
Met Office's latest forecast
Today:
Cloudy in Northern Ireland and Scotland, but sunny spells gradually developing in sheltered spots.
Temperatures here near average.
Elsewhere, sunny spells and very warm or even hot in the sunshine, especially in the southeast with light winds.
Tonight:
Turning cloudy in the west with outbreaks of rain in places.
Clearer skies in central and southern areas where it will remain warm and even feeling muggy for some.
Saturday:
Remaining cloudy in the west with some rain, heavy in spots and moving eastwards through the day.
The southeast will remain mostly dry where it stays very warm.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Drier, brighter and fresher on Sunday after rain moves eastwards.
Blustery with rain or showers on Monday, and feeling cooler, but a fine day is expected on Tuesday.