The UK's blistering heatwave is finally starting to lose its grip, with a significant drop in temperatures forecast for this weekend. According to the Met Office, temperatures that have soared into the high 20s and low 30s Celsius in recent days will gradually recede as we head towards Saturday.
London and the South East, which have borne the brunt of the heat, could see highs drop from around 28-30°C to a more pleasant low 20s by the weekend. Meanwhile, regions like the Midlands and parts of East Anglia, currently sweltering in temperatures of 26-28°C, are projected to cool down significantly.
Across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the heat has been less intense but still above average for this time of year. However, these areas too are expected to see a return to cooler conditions, with temperatures likely settling in the mid-to-high teens Celsius by Saturday.
As the heatwave breaks, there's an increased likelihood of localised thunderstorms across central and southern England, bringing heavy downpours and strong gusts of wind potentially reaching 30-40 mph in exposed areas. The Met Office has advised the public to remain vigilant for sudden changes in weather and be aware of potential disruption, including localised flooding and difficult driving conditions.
Despite the cooler weather on the horizon, pollen levels are expected to remain high in many areas, particularly for grass pollen. Individuals with allergies are encouraged to continue taking precautions.
The current heatwave has prompted a series of yellow and amber heat health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in collaboration with the Met Office, urging vulnerable individuals to take precautions. While these alerts are expected to be downgraded as temperatures fall, the public is still encouraged to stay hydrated and be mindful of sun exposure during any remaining warm spells.