Latest news with #MetOffice


Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Met Office reveals when 'hot' weather could return with 2 regions in firing line
The Met Office has revealed when 'very warm or hot spells' could return to the UK in its long-range weather forecast, as maps show temperatures could soon rise above 30C again The Met Office has revealed when warm conditions could return to the UK, as maps show large areas of the country could soon swelter in 31C heat. Forecasters have said westerly winds and showers will dominate the end of July, but things are set to change in August. As we get into next month, temperatures could be near or above average, the Met Office said, with some "very warm or hot spells" developing. The national forecaster said these spells are especially likely in the "south and east". Currently, weather maps show temperatures rising in England and Wales at the start of next month - with highs of 31C possible in southern and south-eastern England on August 6. Warm conditions could also return later in the month, according to the Met Office. The Met Office's long-range weather forecast from August 6 to August 20 states: "A changeable westerly pattern will likely continue through into the start of August, with spells of rain or showers mixed in with some drier, brighter days. There are signs that high pressure to the southwest may try to extend its influence across the UK, which could bring more in the way of dry, settled weather as we head further into August. "Temperatures will likely continue to be near or above average overall. There is a chance of some very warm or hot spells developing later in August if high pressure wins out for a decent stretch of time, especially in the south and east." According to the latest WXCharts maps, hot air will start moving from southwestern Europe starting from August 1, with cities including Birmingham, Gloucester and Reading likely to experience an unusually warm start to the month. London, Southampton and Brighton are also set to feel the heat from the Iberian plume, potentially marking the fourth heatwave of the year in the UK. The sweltering conditions look set to persist into the early days of August, with forecasts predicting highs of 30C across southern England on August 3. But before the next hot spell arrives, more cool conditions are expected. The Met Office's long-range forecast from July 27 to August 5 states: "A weather regime dominated by westerly winds is likely at first. While showers or longer spells of rain will remain possible for all parts early in the period, the focus of wet weather will likely increasingly be focussed across the west and northwest, especially over hills where rain could be prolonged. "The highest chance of drier and sunnier weather is expected to the east of hills, and across south and eastern areas. Later in the period if high pressure builds into the southwest settled weather may develop there too. It will be breezy at times, especially in further north. Temperatures are most likely to be near to average or slightly above average for the time of year."


Daily Record
18 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
When will the heatwave return in Scotland after days of downpours?
Scots will be hoping the elements settle from hereon in so we can enjoy the rest of our summer in peace Scotland is still reeling from torrential downpours over the weekend. Roads were left underwater, bus services were forced to divert, and parts of the rail network shut down as a result of three yellow weather warnings in a row. For three days straight, much of the country saw huge volumes of rainfall in a short amount of time. Fifteen areas got put under flood alert as a result of the deluge, while thunder and lightning posed a danger to life. The last warning was lifted at 6am today, Tuesday, July 22, and it is hoped the elements will be more settled going forward. After all, we are in the height of summer, and it would be nice for the Scottish weather to reflect that. So, after the downpours, is there a chance of a heatwave returning to Scotland? Aidan McGivern, Met Office meteorologist, has categorically ruled out a heatwave. But only for this week. Looking ahead, WXCharts, a weather forecast model that uses MetDesk data, has set out August 1 as the date Scots should keep an eye on if they're hoping to ditch the umbrella for a sun hat, and the raincoat for some sun cream. On this date, the max temperature will hit 23C at around 6pm. The next day, highs of 20C are predicted for around 12pm, while on Sunday, the thermometer is due to ping at a high 18C, again at around tea time. However, although August 1 will be toasty, there is certain criteria the Scottish weather needs to meet to tip us into heatwave territory. And it doesn't quite look that we will meet it just yet. In the UK, a heatwave officially takes place when a location records at least three days in a row with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. This threshold varies across the UK. For instance, if Dundee records 25 degrees over three consecutive days, that would be classed as a heatwave. As the first weekend in August doesn't stay steady at 23C - instead dipping down to 20C and 18C - it appears unlikely to happen. The Met Office's long range forecast for July 27 until August 5 says the best chance we have of seeing the sun is if we're in the south and east. The southwest may have a look in, too, but only if high pressure builds into that area. Other than that, the outlook isn't all that convincing, either. "A weather regime dominated by westerly winds is likely at first," the Met Office statement reads. "While showers or longer spells of rain will remain possible for all parts early in the period, the focus of wet weather will likely increasingly be focussed across the west and northwest, especially over hills where rain could be prolonged. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. "The highest chance of drier and sunnier weather is expected to the east of hills, and across south and eastern areas. Later in the period, if high pressure builds into the southwest, settled weather may develop there, too. "It will be breezy at times, especially further north. "Temperatures are most likely to be near to average or slightly above average for the time of year."


Sky News
19 hours ago
- Climate
- Sky News
Possible tornado spotted in Yorkshire
Footage has shown a possible tornado forming in Yorkshire. The video on social media showed the phenomenon above Marsden, near Huddersfield, on Monday morning. The Met Office said it could be a tornado or funnel cloud. A funnel cloud, or "tuba", is made up of a spinning vortex of cloud that reaches towards the ground. It only becomes a tornado when it makes contact with the ground. "We've seen a few videos like this over recent days," the Met Office said in a post on X. "When you think of tornadoes, you might imagine the massive twisters tearing through the central US. "But did you know that the UK has one of the highest numbers of tornadoes per land area in the world?" It said the UK typically sees around 30-35 tornadoes each year, though it is "very rare that they are strong enough to cause any significant damage". What is a funnel cloud? The Met Office said funnel clouds are formed when a rotating column of wind draws in cloud droplets, making a region of intense low pressure visible. "They are formed in the same way as a tornado building around this localised area of intensely low pressure and are typically associated with the formation of cumulonimbus thunderclouds," it added. It said they almost always form from cumulonimbus clouds, "meaning that heavy rain, hail, thunder and lightning can all be expected". If a funnel cloud reaches the ground and produces a tornado, "very strong winds can be expected in the immediate vicinity of the vortex potentially causing severe damage", the Met Office said.


The Independent
20 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Moment ‘tornado' swirls over West Yorkshire skies
A "tornado" was filmed swirling through West Yorkshire skies on Monday evening (21 July). Footage posted on social media in Marsden, near Huddersfield, showed a narrow tunnel of clouds stretching up towards the sky. A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that reaches between the base of a storm cloud and the Earth's surface; they form as part of severe thunderstorms. A spokesperson for the Met Office told the Yorkshire Post: 'It certainly looks like it could be a tornado but without seeing it touch the ground it isn't possible to confirm it isn't a funnel cloud. It is only a tornado if it touches the ground.' The Independent has reached out to the Met Office.


Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Sudden storm hits major UK city as bus battles through flooded roads
The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning, which was in place until 9pm. At around 6pm, torrential downpours saw several roads across the capital waterlogged Motorists in Edinburgh faced a challenging drive on Monday as the city was hammered by intense rainfall. The Met Office had put a yellow weather warning in effect until 9pm. By 6pm, the deluge had left numerous roads throughout the capital submerged. Areas such as Holy Corner in Bruntsfield, Gorgie Road, and Cameron Toll roundabout were all affected, with online videos capturing cars navigating through the high waters. A TikTok user, sharing footage of the inundation at Holy Corner, quipped: "Anyway, who is excited for the Fringe?" Another video, showing the escalating floodwaters in Gorgie, prompted Adam, the uploader, to comment: "It's been raining for two seconds.", reports Edinburgh Live. One Edinburgh local humorously responded: "Selling my car and buying a boat." Yet another person said: "Walked home in that, got absolutely soaked." From 11am to 9pm on July 21, a flood alert was in place for Edinburgh and the Lothians. Forecasters cautioned that spray and sudden flooding could create perilous driving conditions and there was a slight risk of rapid flooding affecting homes and businesses. The Met Office indicates that the wet weather has moved on for the rest of the week. Although clouds will persist, sunshine is not expected to break through until Friday, according to the weather predictions. Despite the overcast conditions, temperatures are expected to hover around 20C.