Parts of the UK are set to experience a mini-heatwave this weekend, bringing a brief respite from a particularly wet start to July.
The weather is expected to improve across England and Wales, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C (86°F) in London and the southeast by Friday. However, milder conditions are predicted to return by Sunday.
The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for southeast Scotland and northeast England, predicting 15-20mm of rain per hour and 30-40mm over several hours on Tuesday evening.
This could result in thunderstorms, lightning, and difficult driving conditions, according to Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey.
Rain warnings were issued for parts of Scotland and northeast England amid summer weather shifts.Maxey noted that night-time temperatures in the southeast could stay in the low 20s, leading to “tropical nights” that might pose health risks to vulnerable groups.
So far this month, some areas have already exceeded their average July rainfall. From July 1 to 15, England saw 97% of its typical July rainfall, Wales 65%, Scotland 49%, and Northern Ireland 47%.
London experienced 154% of its usual rainfall, while Dorset received 120%. In contrast, Edinburgh and Dundee had drier conditions, recording 40% and 33% of their average July rainfall, respectively.
Maxey pointed out significant regional differences in rainfall and mentioned that heavy downpours, rather than consistent rain, have contributed to the totals. Despite the wet conditions so far, there is a chance for drier weather later in the month, which could balance out the rainfall figures.
St Swithin’s Day, traditionally used to forecast the weather for the next 40 days, also saw rain in much of England and Wales. The Met Office expects variable conditions for the upcoming week, with temperatures likely to remain around the seasonal average.