Britain's 37C mega heatwave is finally coming to an end, with thunderstorms and lightning sweeping across parts of the UK. The sweltering conditions, which saw record-breaking temperatures, are expected to cool down this weekend.
Thunderstorms and Lightning Strikes
Parts of the UK, including Cornwall, Devon, Jersey and Guernsey, experienced stunning lightning displays. More than 63,000 lightning strikes were recorded in 24 hours up until Friday morning. The bolts also lit up the skies in north Wales, the Midlands, Manchester and northern Scotland, with more expected on Saturday.
Temperature Drop Expected
Annie Shuttleworth, a Met Office meteorologist, said conditions will “finally cool down this weekend”. Temperatures are set to reach a baking 30C on Saturday but are expected to drop to 25C in the south and around 18C up north on Sunday. The Met Office added: “The far east and southeast of England will retain the warmth the longest, though there should be a climb-down in figures by Saturday, with peaks around 32C likely.”
Record-Breaking Heat
The heatwave saw the record for the hottest June day smashed for the third day running, with a temperature of 37.3C recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk. The nation melted under a Red Warning for Extreme Heat, which was issued for the first time in history for three consecutive days.
Impact on Schools, Hospitals, and Water Supply
Hundreds of schools and nurseries were forced to close or shut early due to the immense heat. A hosepipe ban was implemented in Kent amid surging demand. Several hospitals declared critical incidents, with University Hospital Southampton forced to cancel some planned operations and outpatient appointments.
Advice for the Public
A London Ambulance Service chief urged the nation to drink responsibly while watching Saturday's World Cup match between England and Panama. Craig Harman said footie fans should have “plenty of water” in between boozy beverages. He added: “I’m saying to people I need you to drink water even when you’re not thirsty, staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and particularly not exercising outside and putting your body under additional heat and strain.”
Outlook for Next Week
The Met Office statement said: “Next week is likely to see a change to more of a westerly influence on the UK’s weather, with a return to more average temperatures for the time of year and a mixture of winds and rain, particularly for those in the northwest.”
