Parts of the UK are set to experience a taste of summer this weekend, as a mini-heatwave takes over after an exceptionally wet start to July.
The coming days will improve the weather, particularly across England and Wales, with temperatures in London and the south-east potentially reaching 30°C (86°F) by Friday. However, a return to milder conditions is expected by Sunday.
The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for south-east Scotland and north-east England on Tuesday evening.
A yellow rain warning is in effect, predicting heavy downpours for parts of Scotland.According to Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey, forecasts indicate 15-20mm of rain per hour and 30-40mm over several hours, which may result in thunder, lightning, and difficult driving conditions.
Night-time temperatures in the southeast could remain in the low 20s, creating “tropical nights” that may pose health risks for vulnerable populations.
Despite the wet start, some regions have already exceeded their average July rainfall. England has received 97% of its average, Wales 65%, Scotland 49%, and Northern Ireland 47%.
London and Dorset have seen the highest surpluses, while Edinburgh and Dundee experienced drier conditions. Maxey noted that heavy downpours, rather than persistent rain, have driven these totals, suggesting that weather patterns may balance out by the end of the month.