The UK faces rising temperatures and thunderstorms this week, with the Met Office forecasting sunshine across much of Britain by Tuesday afternoon, though southern and western areas will remain cloudiest.
The Met Office predicts Tuesday 10 June will see spells of sunshine developing across most regions. Southern England and Wales began the day with cloudy, damp conditions, while Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England experienced dry weather with sunny intervals1.
Thunderstorm Warnings Issued
Wednesday 11 June is expected to bring largely fine, dry conditions for most of the UK, with southwestern England, Northern Ireland and western Wales potentially seeing cloud cover. Heavy, thundery showers will advance from the southwest during the evening and overnight hours.
Western regions could experience 20-40mm of rainfall within several hours as intense downpours progress northeastward, accompanied by frequent lightning in some areas.
Mike Silverstone, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, said: “Following mostly settled weather early in the week, some intense, thundery downpours will arrive on Wednesday evening. These storms are triggered by warm, humid air moving into the UK from the south. The heavy rainfall could accumulate 20-40mm in just a few hours, potentially causing some disruption. Whilst no severe weather warnings are currently issued, thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week.”
The thunderstorms and broader shower activity will progress north and east through Thursday 12 June, before more settled conditions return temporarily on Friday 13 June for most areas.
However, another band of thunderstorms will move in from the southwest later on Friday 13 June, bringing further intense rainfall into Saturday’s early hours.
Heatwave Thresholds Possible
Mike explained: “As temperatures climb this week, heatwave thresholds could potentially be reached in some UK regions, particularly the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales, though this depends heavily on cloud cover later this week, so it’s not guaranteed.
“This warm period will feel different from the pleasant weather we had in May as humidity levels will be much higher, making conditions more uncomfortable. Additionally, whilst May nights remained fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to stay quite warm, which may disrupt people’s sleep.”
What Is Changeable Weather?
Changeable weather occurs when conditions oscillate rapidly between different weather patterns, before one particular type of weather starts to dominate.
Met Office UK 5-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday 10 June
Low cloud and patchy light rain across southern regions this morning will become confined to the far south during the afternoon1. Otherwise, increasing sunshine will develop throughout the day with morning showers gradually dying out. Temperatures will feel warmer for many areas.
Tuesday Night
Dry conditions for most tonight with variable cloud and clear intervals. The clearest skies will be in northern areas, where temperatures will turn chilly. Mild conditions in the south with some patchy fog possible.
Wednesday 11 June
Morning low cloud across southern areas will clear to leave a largely dry and sunny day for many regions, with occasional showers in western parts. Widely very warm temperatures expected.
Portsmouth faces heavy downpours as weather warning active
Thursday 12 June to Saturday 14 June
Very warm and humid conditions on Thursday and Friday with the risk of heavy and thundery downpours developing. Further heavy rain possible on Saturday, though conditions will feel fresher from the south.
