A period of rainy weather is expected to impact 21 regions across the United Kingdom on Tuesday, signaling a significant shift following the recent heatwave.
The UK forecast for Monday night from the Met Office indicates that heavy rain will move into the northwest accompanied by brisk winds, while other areas will experience drier conditions with clear spells and a fresh night for many.
According to the weather service, Tuesday will see cloudy skies in the northern and western parts of the country with showers developing. The rain is predicted to be intense at times with a chance of thunder in the north, while the southeast is expected to remain drier.
The Met Office forecasts a rise in temperatures in the southeast from Wednesday to Friday, with dry and sunny weather on the horizon. Conversely, the north and west will maintain cloudier conditions with occasional spells of rain and temperatures hovering around average levels.
This change in weather follows a heatwave that resulted in the UK breaking its June temperature record for three consecutive days, peaking at 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on June 26. Several other weather stations also surpassed the previous record of 35.6C set on June 28, 1976, and June 29, 1957.
Andy Page, the Met Office chief forecaster, highlighted the exceptional nature of the recent heatwave, emphasizing how it underscores the impact of climate change on temperature extremes in the UK.
In addition, last week witnessed Wales setting a new June daily maximum temperature record of 35.9C at Bute Park, Cardiff, on June 25. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland matched its warmest June day on record with 30.8C at Castlederg on June 25, equaling the temperature recorded on June 30, 1976.