End of Heatwave as Cooler Weather Approaches
Cooler temperatures and outbreaks of rain are expected across much of the UK starting Sunday, marking the end of a period of unseasonably hot weather.
Throughout the week, parts of the UK experienced heatwave conditions, culminating in a new May record temperature of 35.1C (95.2F) recorded in London on Tuesday.
On Sunday, cooler and fresher Atlantic air reduced temperatures to 24C, following a peak of 30C on Saturday.
As the UK enters the meteorological summer, temperatures are forecast to drop further in the early days of June.
Instead of a "heat dome"—a high-pressure system trapping warm air—the weather pattern will shift as areas of low pressure move across the UK, guided by a stronger jet stream. This change will bring unsettled weather and intermittent rain.
Rain and Showers Forecast
Rain is expected to develop across most parts of the country on Monday, with potentially heavy rainfall in western regions.
Tuesday's forecast includes a mix of sunshine and heavy showers, which may be accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Wet weather will be particularly beneficial for gardeners and growers, especially in southern and eastern England, where conditions have been very dry in recent months.
Further rain is anticipated on Wednesday, along with stronger winds, leading to cooler conditions. Maximum temperatures during this period are expected to range between 15-20C, significantly lower than the late May heat.
Record-Breaking Temperatures and Heatwave Conditions
England and Wales each recorded their hottest May days on record for two consecutive days, with heatwave conditions also observed in several areas.
The record temperatures occurred on Tuesday, with 35.1C recorded at London's Kew Gardens and 32.9C at Cardiff's Bute Park.
The UK Health Security Agency issued both amber and yellow heat health alerts for much of England during this period.
Water-Related Fatalities During Hot Weather
At least 14 people have died during the hot weather after encountering difficulties in water.
This includes a 15-year-old girl who died in hospital on Saturday after getting into difficulty in the sea off the Merseyside coast on Monday.
A 19-year-old man also died on Saturday after being recovered from a lake in Nottinghamshire earlier in the week. Additionally, a body was found during the search for a man who entered the water in the Norfolk Broads.
Other fatalities occurred in Kent, Oxfordshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Hampshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Cornwall, as well as in northeast Scotland and Pembrokeshire in Wales.
Ongoing Search and Safety Warnings
Separately, on Sunday, emergency services in Yorkshire reported that a search was underway for an 11-year-old boy last seen entering the River Don in Mexborough.
The multiple incidents have prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of swimming in open water, particularly for children.
"The multiple incidents prompted fresh warnings around the dangers of swimming in open water, particularly for children."
