Parts of the UK could become hotter than California at the end of next week, with temperatures possibly rising above 30°C, after heavy rain sweeps the country.
The Met Office forecasts temperatures in southeast England could reach 32°C on Friday, surpassing the 26°C expected in Los Angeles.
Heavy, persistent rain is expected across much of the country from Sunday evening into Monday. A weather warning might be issued for parts of north Wales, where about 50mm (2 inches) of rain is forecast for Monday, roughly half the area’s monthly average.
Following heavy rains, a high-pressure system will bring tropical air, causing temperatures to soar across much of the UK, potentially reaching the low 30s.Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud noted the possibility of temperatures reaching the low 30s, particularly around London, East Anglia, and other parts of the south and east on Friday.
He indicated that after a “miserable and wet day” on Monday for England and Wales, conditions would improve, and temperatures would rise.
High pressure building from midweek will draw in tropical continental air, leading to very warm, locally hot conditions. By Friday and possibly Saturday, temperatures might break into the 30s.
Other regions may also experience rising temperatures on Friday, with much of England and Wales exceeding 25°C, and Scotland and Northern Ireland reaching the low-to-mid 20s.
Many areas will be dry with sunny spells, although there may be outbreaks of thundery showers.
Stroud mentioned that the heatwave would likely be short-lived, as low pressure is expected to return, making the following weekend more unsettled.