Summer is set to make a grand comeback with temperatures climbing to a scorching 27C, according to the latest predictions from the Met Office. However, before the heatwave hits, showers are expected to strike first, bringing scattered downpours throughout Sunday and Monday, along with strong gusts in some parts of the country.
The sun managed to break through the clouds for parts of Saturday at Leeds Festival, providing festival-goers with some much-needed relief. On the other hand, those attending Reading Festival were not as lucky and were swamped by heavy downpours on Saturday. Despite the mixed bag of weather, many parts of the UK can look forward to reaching a comfortable 27C on Wednesday, according to the Met Office.
As the aftermath of Storm Lilian continues to batter Brits, the start of the week is expected to be wet but slightly warmer compared to the previous weekend. However, as higher pressure moves in from Europe on Tuesday, brighter days are on the horizon for us all.
Warmer Days Ahead
On Tuesday, southern parts of England can expect temperatures to climb to 24C as winds calm down and drier conditions move in. The mercury is set to soar even higher on Wednesday, with London predicted to reach a scorching 27C while surrounding areas are expected to top 26C. The West Midlands is also forecasted to reach 24C, with Northampton and Milton Keynes just 1C higher, according to the weather service.
Unfortunately, the warmer conditions are expected to drop off slightly by Thursday; however, temperatures will still remain in the low 20s for most parts of the UK. Met Office Meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth stated, “Next week is looking much drier and more settled than this week. From Tuesday, low pressure is centered up to the north and west of the UK.”
High Pressure Bringing Warmth
Shuttleworth also mentioned that high pressure from Scandinavia will bring warmer air for the week, resulting in more settled weather for eastern and southern areas of the UK, lasting into the first week of September. She explained, “So any weather fronts coming to the northwest will bump into this high pressure and stop where they are.”
As the week progresses, high pressure is likely to dominate more widely across the UK by Friday, leading into the end of summer. This means that warmer air could start moving up from the south and east, bringing a significant increase in temperatures. Shuttleworth concluded, “That does mean it looks quite a lot warmer this week, so there’s improvements to come before summer is out.”
Five-Day Weather Forecast
Today, many areas will start off bright, but clouds will begin to build from the west, accompanied by rain and showers. The best of the drier weather is expected across southern England, although it will feel rather cool due to a brisk wind and temperatures slightly below the seasonal average.
Tonight, Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland, and northern England will experience cloudy conditions, with rain becoming more patchy. Elsewhere, clear spells and variable cloud will prevail, with winds easing towards dawn. Temperatures will be milder than the previous night.
On Monday, showers will drift into western coastal regions, with rain expected to arrive in the northwest by evening. However, the rest of the country will experience dry and breezy conditions, with patchy cloud cover and bright or sunny spells. Temperatures are expected to be warmer than on Sunday.
Looking ahead to Tuesday to Thursday, heavy rain and strong winds will move into the northwest on Tuesday, gradually easing as it moves eastwards over the coming days. Meanwhile, the southeast is expected to remain mostly dry and become very warm as the week progresses.
As the River Cam in Cambridge was packed with punts on Sunday morning, and a gorgeous cat was taken for a punt on the river, it is clear that people are eager to make the most of the fine weather. The beach at Broadstairs in Kent was also packed with sun-seekers, highlighting the anticipation for the upcoming heatwave.
In conclusion, while the start of the week may bring some wet weather, the promise of a heatwave with temperatures reaching 27C is sure to lift spirits across the UK. With high pressure bringing warmer air from Europe, brighter and more settled days are ahead, signaling the return of summer just in time for the end of the season. So, get ready to bask in the sunshine and make the most of the warmer temperatures before summer bids us farewell.