UK weather: Threat of thunderstorms to mark official start of summer as temperatures rise
Britain's summer is off to a stormy start despite marking the sunniest and warmest spring on record.
The Met Office has forecasted blustery showers and heavy rain with occasional hail and thunder from the start of June.
While temperatures look to remain mild and balmy at in the mid- to high-teens, it's a marked difference from the sky-high temperatures of May, after the month started with peaks of 29.3C in London. Scotland will see 13C on Thursday, while further south in England, London will experience temperatures of 19C.
Meteorologist Clare Nasir said there would be 'more wet weather on its way into the early hours of Thursday morning', adding that 'the rain then gradually tracks towards eastern counties through the morning. A stronger wind, particularly across channel coasts and some showers to follow.'
She said: 'This band of rain will mean some wet weather through the first part of Thursday.'
The forecaster warned that hail and thunder are possible over the weekend as well while the weather remains wet.
The latest downpour comes as Britain marked record-breaking weather for April and May, with the Met Office declaring the warmest and sunniest spring on UK record on Monday.
All across the UK, the Met Office marked the warmest spring for mean temperatures since the series began in 1884, surpassing the previous record from 2024. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales also saw their sunniest spring on record, while England recorded its second sunniest spring since records began in 1910.
Spring 2025 has been classed as the fourth sunniest season overall for the UK, with only three summers sunnier since records began.
The Met Office put the unusual spring weather down to persistent high-pressure systems originating from mainland Europe, which have blocked the usual flow of Atlantic weather fronts.
Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle said: "The UK's climate continues to change. What's particularly notable about spring 2025 is the combination of record warmth and sunshine, alongside very low rainfall.
'This spring shows some of the changes we're seeing in our weather patterns, with more extreme conditions, including prolonged dry, sunny weather, becoming more frequent. The data clearly shows that recent decades have been warmer, sunnier, and often drier than the 20th century average, although natural variation will continue to play a role in the UK's weather.'
Wednesday:
Sunny spells and showers for many, these locally heavy and frequent in the north. Showers forming into bands across Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, and northern England. Breezy for all, with coastal gales in northwest Scotland at first. Feeling cool.
Blustery showers continue to affect the north of the country tonight. Dry with clear spells elsewhere, but thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain arriving from the west later.
Thursday:
Rain, heavy in places will push eastwards during the day, clearing by mid afternoon. Sunny spells and showers, already affecting Scotland will follow for all. Rather breezy.
Friday to Sunday:
Staying changeable with sunny spells and showers on Friday. Heavier and more frequent showers on Saturday, with hail and thunder possible. Drier on Sunday. Often breezy and feeling rather cool.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Met Office issues major thunderstorm warning as power cuts 'likely'
A large area of the UK is set to be struck by fierce thunderstorms that may cause power cuts for Brits in affected areas, the Met Office has warned. The forecaster warned heavy showers and thunderstorms may lead to some disruption to transport and infrastructure, with a possible 40mm of rain battering the area and power cuts "likely." The warning, covering the southeast, southwest, Wales, the Midlands and east of England, is in place tomorrow from 9am until 6pm. Drivers are also expected to face disruption - with spray, standing water and possible hail bringing longer journey times by car and bus.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
You're eating fish and chips wrong! Scientist reveals the correct way to enjoy the seaside staple - and why you should ALWAYS use a Chip Fork
There's nothing quite like a fresh portion of fish and chips after a long day at the beach. From a side of mushy peas to a splash of vinegar, many Brits are very particular about how they enjoy this seaside staple. But according to one psychologist, the key to the perfect portion is much simpler. Food psychologist, James Cornish, claims that the correct way to eat fish and chips is with a Chip Fork. This unassuming utensil not only makes you feel nostalgic, but also helps to slow you down as you munch on your chips, according to the expert. 'The humble Chip Fork reinforces nostalgia, the natural fitting with the fresh, natural fish in front of you,' he explained. 'Also only being used once they have a big connection with good memories, these are used when eating outside, next to the sea, at the park – essentially the creation of good times. 'Chip forks are the ultimate "mood generator" (you can only consume one chip at a time), so they slow you down, making you savour the moment.' The origins of fish and chips can be traced back to the mid-19th century, with the first chippies opening around 1860. Today, they remain a seaside staple, with a poll of 2,000 Brits by car brand Dacia finding that fish and chips is the UK's favourite holiday treat. Its unwavering popularity is down to a combination of reward, nostalgia, and comfort, according to Mr Cornish. 'There's a certain kind of magic in fish and chips - a simple meal that somehow carries the weight of memory, comfort, and delight,' he explained. 'Maybe it's because we don't expect too much from humble food, but our delight is excelled through the delivering more than we expected.' Beyond using a Chip Fork, there are several ways to boost your enjoyment of fish and chips, according to the pscyhologist. Firstly, if possible, you should eat them by the sea. 'The sound of waves, smell of salt in the air, and slower pace of eating outdoors all prime the brain to savour and enjoy,' Mr Cornish said. 'It's a sensory experience heightened by the setting that increases brain activity to expect tastier fresher fish.' It's also best to enjoy your fish and chips on a Friday, according to the expert. 'There's a reason so many Brits default to fish and chips on a Friday,' he said. 'Part cultural tradition (meat-free Fridays), part psychological rhythm. 'Collecting from the chippy on Friday became a task that signalled the end of the regular week - a task often passed on to a child who was sent to the chippy. 'The child got to do a valued, special and trusted task – a sign of growing independence and trust as well as being able to choose their own dinner. 'The family involvement adds to the feeling of relaxation, mood shift and resetting make food taste better, plus no post consumption regret as enhancement results in setting myself up for a great weekend. 'Same fish, same chips - but Friday just delivers more.' Finally, Mr Cornish advises ditching the plate, and eating your fish and chips straight from the paper. 'Unwrapping the paper forms a feeling of special occasion - a gift to me,' he added. 'Fish and chips provide a break from formality. 'It's a dish where rules are relaxed - you can eat with your fingers, from paper, on a bench, in a pub or a restaurant – it's never out of place.' The formula for the perfect battered fish Dry ingredients 25 per cent wheat dextrin 75 per cent plain flour A pinch of maltodextrin Wet ingredients 100 per cent Guinness Method Combine the wet and dry ingredients in a 60/40 ratio Mix and transfer to a whipped cream syphon Charge with two canisters or either NO2 or CO2 and keep cold until ready to use Preheat neutral oil to 160°C (320°F) Squirt just enough batter to cover your fish into a bowl Coat the fish in batter and lower it into the oil cook until golden brown Serving
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Fury as gypsy influencer tells young Appleby Horse Fair travellers how to ride their horses into river even if they cannot swim
A gypsy influencer has been slammed for 'downright reckless' advice to young travellers washing their horses in a river at Europe's biggest gathering of travellers. In a tradition dating back centuries, gypsies wash their steeds in the River Eden before trading them in street auctions. However equestrian rider Martina Wright has caused fury among campaigners by advising horse owners to ride their mounts into the river even if they can't swim. Martina, who has 200,000 followers across her social platforms, admits she can't swim herself but has been photographed several times submerging her horse, George, in the Eden. A group representing Appleby residents criticised her for placing bystanders or rescuers 'who may feel compelled to intervene' in danger. In the post on her social media channels, Martina advised non swimmers to hang onto their horse's mane if they get into difficulties in the river. She posted: 'There's so many people that go to Appleby would do anything to get on a horse but honestly not every horse will just go in and swim. 'Make sure you can swim also (I can't swim) but I always stay on horses I know are comfortable with swimming etc.. It can all go wrong so easily and without the rider the horse could end up swimming further into the deep water rather than making its way out.. 'Just be careful, take your time, if you come stuck grab the mane! Not the bridle. Stay safe xxx' A spokesperson for Appleby Fair Communities Group hit out in response. They said the group was concerned at 'the trend of individuals entering the river on horseback, despite being unable to swim.' AFCG said: 'This issue has recently been highlighted by influencer Martina Wright, who posted that many people — disappointingly including herself — go into the river despite not being able to swim. 'While she advises others to 'be careful,' she also downplays the risk by suggesting it's fine because she doesn't fall off. 'No one ever intends to fall off — accidents happen precisely because they are unintended. It is not just the personal risk to these individuals that worries us, but the wider consequences: the risk to the horse, the potential danger to bystanders or rescuers who may feel compelled to intervene, and the trauma or burden left for those dealing with the aftermath of a preventable incident. 'This kind of behaviour is already high-risk under normal circumstances. When it involves non-swimmers without life jackets, it becomes downright reckless. How long until something tragic happens?' The matter has been reported to the Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG) which oversees Appleby Fair. Meanwhile, police have revealed there were 49 arrests in the days leading up to the fair opening and drug driving had been 'a theme.' The RSPCA is also investigating reports of animal cruelty, including two ponies being abandoned by the roadside in a Cumbrian village close to where Appleby Horse Fair is underway. A member of the public also reported a horse being beaten and anti cruelty investigators have launched a probe. Cumbria Police Superintendent Daniel St Quintin, Gold Commander for the fair, said: 'The most serious arrests we had yesterday were two drug drivers. 'That seems to be a theme this year where we are catching quite a few drug drivers, either for cannabis or cocaine and they are getting dealt with accordingly.' The arrests generally relate to drug and drink driving, drug possession and low level public order and anti-social behaviour offences. Police said the arrests were not limited to travellers, with some local people also arrested. Cumbria RSPCA chief inspector Rob Melloy, said: 'Unfortunately there are still a minority of people that come here who will abuse the animals and run the horses far too much and work them too hard, but that is what we are here for, we are here to try and find those guys and stop them. 'We have had a couple of ponies that have been dumped and we have an ongoing investigation into a horse that was being hit inappropriately. 'A member of the public saw the horse being hit and reported it, resulting in the investigation. We have managed to save that horse basically.' The incidents are understood to have occurred in outlying villages in the Appleby area over the last week. The fair is entering its second day in Appleby-in-Westmorland, which sees its 3,000 population swell by a factor of 10 as visitors swarm to the annual event. Of those, an estimated 10,000 are from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community. In its 250-year history the fair has only been cancelled twice, the first in 2001 during the foot and mouth outbreak and the second in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. The gathering is billed as the biggest traditional gypsy fair in Europe and has developed traditions that take place every year. Gypsy horses are washed in the River Eden in Appleby and trotted up and down the 'flashing lane' - a closed-off rural road - before being haggled over and bought. There is a market on Jimmy Winter's Field with stalls selling everything from fashion to horse-related wares. The fair is held outside the town of Appleby, at the point where the old Roman Road crosses Long Marton Road, on Gallows Hill, which was named after the public hangings that were once carried out there. It was once thought the fair originated from a royal charter to the borough of Appleby from King James II of England in 1685, although more recent research has found the charter was cancelled before it was ever enacted. The gathering is sometimes known as 'the New Fair' because Appleby's medieval borough fair, held at Whitsuntide, ceased in 1885. The 'New Fair' began in 1775 for sheep and cattle drovers and horse dealers to sell their stock. By the 1900s it had evolved into a major Gypsy/Traveller event which brought families from across the UK and Europe.
