The official heatwave has subsided, bringing a return to average temperatures across the UK on Sunday, with plenty of sunshine expected in East Anglia and the south-east of England during the morning, according to the Met Office.
Temperature Forecast
Temperatures are forecast to climb to 24C in London, while the rest of the south-east will enjoy highs of up to 22C. The weather agency reports more cloud across the country, with spells of rain in northern Scotland, where temperatures will reach the mid-teens. Wales will see around 18C, while northern England will experience between 18C and 20C.
Record-Breaking Heatwave
This follows a record-breaking heatwave that saw temperatures reach 35.1C in Kew Gardens, west London, on Tuesday. Thames Water has urged millions in London and the South East to stop using hosepipes, warning that water demand has increased by up to 50% due to gardening, paddling pools, and sprinklers.
NHS England reported 20,092 visits to its heatstroke advice page on bank holiday Monday, compared to 488 the previous Monday, with 36,724 visits over the weekend.
Water Supply Issues
On Thursday evening, thousands in Whitstable were left without water as storage reservoirs reached a critical level, according to South East Water. Pictures showed queues at a bottled water collection point at a Sainsbury's near the Kent town, with 8,000 customers affected. The company urged customers to use water only for essential purposes.
Tragically, a teenage boy became the 11th person to die in a water-related incident during the heatwave, with fatalities reported in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire, and Lancashire.
Forecast for Coming Days
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "We're now starting to see this spell of very hot weather break down. As the heat starts to ease, the weather will also turn more changeable, with some showers and thunderstorms possible. By the weekend, temperatures should be much closer to average for the time of year with accompanying rainfall for many through the weekend and into the start of next week."
On Monday, low-pressure systems will bring showers across most parts of the UK. Temperatures could still hit 23C in London and the south-east, but will stay around the mid-teens for much of the country.
Five-Day Weather Forecast
Sunday: A fresher feeling day with a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers. Showers most frequent in the north, feeling pleasant in sunnier moments, especially in the south.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday: Meteorological summer starts on an unsettled note with spells of rain on Monday, followed by heavy and thundery showers on Tuesday. Further rain is likely again on Wednesday. Temperatures near average.
