The UK's prolonged heatwave is set to shatter this weekend as cooler temperatures and showers sweep in, according to the Met Office. After days of scorching highs, much of the country can expect a welcome drop in mercury, but with an increased chance of thundery downpours in some areas.
Forecasters predict that the change will start to take hold from Friday, with a more significant shift on Saturday and Sunday. While temperatures have consistently soared above 30C in parts of England, particularly the South East, they are projected to fall into the mid-20s Celsius by next week's start. Wind speeds, which have been light until now, may also pick up slightly as the weather system transitions.
The shift will be felt across all regions. In England, the relief from intense heat will be most pronounced in the Midlands and South, while Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect temperatures to settle into the high teens to low 20s Celsius with an increased likelihood of rain. Wales will see similar conditions, but with a greater chance of scattered showers.
The Met Office attributes this change to a breakdown of the high-pressure system that has been dominating the UK's weather, allowing cooler, more unsettled air from the Atlantic to move in. While the end of a heatwave often brings a risk of thundery downpours, especially where hot, humid air meets cooler fronts, the exact timing and location will become clearer closer to the weekend.
Despite the anticipated cooling, the Met Office advises the public to remain vigilant about weather changes. Even as temperatures drop, the cumulative effect of recent heat means that staying hydrated and taking precautions against sun exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups, remains crucial during the transition period. The forecast suggests a more typical summer pattern next week, with a mix of sunshine and occasional rain.