The Met Office has confirmed that temperatures in the North East will drop after a week-long heatwave that saw the mercury reach the high 20s Celsius. The region, which experienced record-breaking heat in southern parts of the UK and thunderstorms on Friday, will see a shift to cooler conditions from this weekend.
Heatwave and Thunderstorms
The North East has been baking in hot weather over the past week, with temperatures soaring into the high 20s. The heatwave also led to records being broken for the hottest June days in southern parts of the country. Weather warnings were in place across the UK, and the North East remains under a heat health alert until 9am on Sunday, June 28.
On Friday, thunderstorms hit the region, with lightning strikes witnessed by many. A school had to close, and a family home was struck by lightning. The Met Office warned of further unsettled conditions as the heatwave subsides.
Temperature Drop Forecast
According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to drop from this weekend as the UK transitions to a westerly influence. A drop in temperatures will develop in the west at first, with fresher conditions spreading slowly further east over the weekend.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Andy Page said: “The UK is seeing a gradual shift in conditions over the weekend, with those to the southeast of England retaining the warmth the longest, where an Amber Extreme Heat Warning remains in force through much of Saturday, though peaks are more likely to be in the low 30s Celsius.”
Western parts of Scotland and much of Northern Ireland will see rain for a time on Saturday, with showers likely spreading further south in places on Sunday, though these will be fairly light. Those to the southeast could remain dry through the weekend, although there is a risk of thunderstorms before temperatures return to average later on Sunday and into Monday.
North East Weather Details
In the North East, Saturday remains warm with temperatures reaching 28°C in Newcastle. However, the mercury drops to 22°C on Sunday and 21°C on Monday. Tuesday is likely to bring light showers, with highs of 20°C. The picture is similar in other parts of the region, with temperatures hovering in the low 20s from Sunday onwards.
Saturday
While still very warm, temperatures will be a little lower than on previous days. Further periods of sunshine will develop, perhaps hazy and eventually sparking scattered showers. Maximum temperature 28°C.
Saturday Night
A cloudy evening with showers, some of which may turn thundery at times. Temperatures remain warm overnight. Winds southwesterly and light but breezy along the coast. Minimum temperature 18°C.
Sunday
Fresher conditions spreading to all parts, with sunshine and showers. More seasonable temperatures than expected. Winds moderate southwesterly. Maximum temperature 22°C.
Monday to Wednesday
Monday is looking dry and settled. Tuesday turns more unsettled with sunshine and showers. Wednesday starts off sunny, then clouding over with rain later.
