The UK is currently enduring a scorching five-day heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 34°C this weekend. According to Gloucestershire Live, relief is on the horizon as thunderstorms are expected to hit early next week, bringing a significant drop in temperatures. Starting Monday morning, the storms will sweep across the country, reducing the oppressive heat and offering much-needed cooler conditions. While the weekend remains hot, by Monday, much of the UK will see temperatures fall to more comfortable levels, marking the end of the heatwave.
When Will the Heatwave End? A Break in the Heat Is Coming
This week has seen the UK bake under a five-day heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 34°C over the weekend. The blistering heat has caused disruptions, with many regions experiencing uncomfortably hot conditions. The Met Office confirmed that heatwave criteria were met across the country, including Scotland, where temperatures were expected to exceed the 30°C mark. However, for those enduring the stifling warmth, relief is in sight. According to the latest weather forecasts, thunderstorms will begin sweeping across the country on Monday morning, initiating a cooling trend. These storms are expected to bring significant drops in temperature, especially in areas currently enduring the worst of the heat.
Thunderstorms to Hit on Monday: A Nationwide Cooldown
The storm system is expected to arrive early on Monday, starting in Suffolk around 7 am and moving across the UK throughout the day. By the time the storms reach the Midlands and north-western regions, temperatures will fall from a sizzling 34°C to a much more bearable 27°C by early afternoon. The cooling effect will be welcome, as the heatwave has been lingering longer than many anticipated. The storms will not only bring a welcome dip in temperature but will also ease humidity levels, which have made the heat feel even more oppressive. By Monday evening, most parts of the country will experience cooler, fresher weather, with some regions seeing a marked drop in night-time temperatures.
The Met Office’s Forecast: What to Expect This Weekend and Beyond
Before the storms hit, temperatures will continue to climb, reaching a peak of 34°C on Saturday. Friday will see highs of 32°C to 33°C in many areas, while the eastern coast may experience slightly cooler weather due to cloud cover. The Met Office predicts that this weekend will remain predominantly dry, with plenty of sunshine in most parts of the country, except for the extreme northwest of Scotland, which will see some cloud and drizzle. By Monday, the much-anticipated thunderstorms will bring an end to the dry, hot conditions and signal the start of a much cooler and more comfortable week ahead.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly explained that the high-pressure system from the Atlantic that caused the heatwave would gradually break down, allowing the thunderstorms to take over. With this shift, temperatures will drop significantly, marking the end of the prolonged hot spell.
Why Are UK Heatwaves So Intense This Summer?
This year, the UK has experienced multiple waves of extreme heat, with July’s heatwave particularly intense. The Met Office attributes this trend to the persistent high-pressure systems over the Atlantic, which have been lingering longer than usual. These high-pressure systems cause clear skies and long hours of sunshine, trapping heat over the country. Additionally, the record-low rainfall in certain areas has contributed to the intensification of the heat. As we head into mid-summer, it is likely that the UK will continue to experience more heatwaves, though they may be punctuated by sudden and powerful storms, much like the one predicted for next week.
