Heavy Rain Forecast for 14 UK Areas After Record Heatwave
The Met Office has warned that heavy rain could hit parts of the UK within hours, marking a dramatic shift from the recent record-breaking June heatwave. According to the forecast issued on Monday, 29 June, cloud will increase into the afternoon, particularly in the west, with scattered showers moving into Northern Ireland and western Scotland.
Tonight, a heavy spell of rain is expected to move into the northwest, accompanied by brisk winds. Drier conditions are forecast elsewhere, with clear spells and a fresh night for many. Temperatures will drop and remain below 20°C, a stark contrast to the recent highs.
Areas at Risk of Heavy Rain Tonight (29 June)
The Met Office has identified 14 areas that could be affected by heavy rain tonight. These include counties in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northwest England.
- Northern Ireland: County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Londonderry
- Scotland: Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty, Caithness, Inverness-shire
- England: Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside
Record-Breaking June Heatwave Precedes the Change
The heavy rain forecast comes after the UK experienced its hottest June day on record for three consecutive days. Friday, 26 June, saw a provisional temperature of 37.3°C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, surpassing the 36.7°C recorded in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday, according to the Met Office.
The forecaster noted that the recent heatwave pushed the UK's energy grid to its limits, with a UK blackout warning issued as temperatures reached 41°C in some areas. July weather maps had also turned volcanic red, indicating a date for the next 29°C heatwave.
Outlook for the Rest of the Week
The Met Office forecast for Wednesday to Friday suggests that the southeast will turn increasingly warm with dry and bright weather, while the north and west will remain cloudier with spells of rain at times and temperatures around average. However, next month could see a significant drop in temperatures after the recent heatwaves.
According to WX Charts, a dramatic overnight temperature contrast is expected by Tuesday, 7 July, with the chilliest conditions developing across parts of central and eastern Scotland, where minimum temperatures could dip to around 4°C by 6am.
