Latest news with #UKweather
The Independent
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Thunderstorms set to bring warm weather to a halt
The Met Office forecasts blustery showers, heavy rain, and possible hail and thunder for the UK, marking a stormy start to summer after a record-breaking sunny and warm spring. Temperatures are expected to remain mild in the mid- to high-teens, a contrast from May's peaks of 29.3C, with Scotland seeing 13C and London experiencing 19C on Thursday. Meteorologist Clare Nasir predicted wet weather and stronger winds, especially along channel coasts, with rain tracking eastward and potential for hail and thunder over the weekend. The UK experienced its warmest and sunniest spring on record, with the Met Office noting record mean temperatures and sunshine across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle highlighted that the UK's changing climate is leading to more frequent extreme conditions, such as prolonged dry, sunny weather, alongside natural variations.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
UK weather: Will there be a ‘mini heatwave' this weekend?
As the UK basks in the sunniest spring on record, the final weekend could see temperatures reach as high as 27C. A balmy end to spring comes as provisional figures from the Met Office show 630 hours of sunshine were clocked up across the country between March 1 and May 27. However, forecasters have warned of some changeable weather as we enter the first week of summer, with the possibility of wind and rain. Looking ahead to Saturday, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said 'highs of around 24C, 25C, maybe 26C or 27C' were expected towards the South East, and 'even further north, a greater chance of getting into the low 20s'. 'But we do need to factor in the brisk winds and the wetter weather that will be pushing through at times as well.' Showery rain is expected on Sunday for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern and western England and Wales. There is a better chance of dry weather in the southern and eastern parts, with some areas staying completely dry. Mr Burkill said there would be a 'bit less sunshine on offer perhaps for some of us on Sunday, and some fresher air pushing its way in, so temperatures in many places will be several degrees lower. 'Still feeling warm enough if you get any of that decent sunshine and shelter from the breeze. Some places will still get into the low 20s. 'Now there's more changeable weather to come as we go through next week.' Monday, in the first full week of meteorological summer, is likely to be the driest day of the week. Low pressure in the middle of the week will likely result in cloud and showers, according to Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin. 'Looking pretty unsettled through the middle of next week,' he said, adding that winds coming in from the Atlantic are likely to bring moisture and showers, particularly in western areas. There may be a 'hint of a change' towards the end of next week, with wetter conditions becoming more confined to northern parts. 'But overall, next week looking pretty changeable to say the least. The winds continuing to dominate from the west or the south west, which will keep things reasonably mild, but also keeping things fairly wet, especially so in western areas. 'Complete contrast to the largely easterly conditions we've had for much of spring. 'And that hint, which is all it is at this stage, of something a bit drier in the south to end the week,' he said.
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
UK set to be hotter than Ibiza at weekend amid driest spring in over 100 years
Parts of the UK may be warmer than Ibiza over the weekend amid the driest spring so far in more than a century. Temperatures could hit 25C on Sunday in western areas of England and parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with most areas set to see blue skies over both days, the Met Office said. As of Friday, 80.6mm of rain has been recorded for the UK this spring, nearly 20mm less than the record low for the full season of 100.7mm set in 1852. With more than two weeks of May left, the Met Office said it is too early to say how spring (March, April and May) as a whole will rank. Met Office forecaster Tom Morgan said: 'This weekend will really be a continuation of what we've seen over the last week or two, lots of sun shining. 'A few caveats, eastern parts of the UK will see generally cloudier skies in the mornings first thing, both tomorrow and on Sunday. 'And it's been those eastern coasts where it's been pretty cool and cloudy through recent days, so if you are stuck on the North Sea coasts of England in particular, but also north-east Scotland, there will be some low cloud and temperatures very much suppressed, but for the vast majority, blue skies through the afternoons and temperatures in the low 20s. 'Tomorrow, probably 23 or 24C is on the cards in several areas. 'Sunday will probably be the slightly warmer day, so 22 to 24C a bit more widespread across the west, so the central belt Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, east Wales and south-west England, perhaps an isolated 25C.' Mr Morgan said there may be rainfall at the end of the month, though not necessarily enough to be 'useful' for farmers after the dry spell. Rachel Hallos, vice president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), previously said: 'The lack of any substantial rain over the past few weeks is starting to raise a few concerns although the picture across farming sectors is mixed. 'Farmers in some parts of the country have started irrigating much earlier than normal, but thankfully reservoirs are full following the wet autumn and winter and there are good stores of groundwater. 'The extreme weather patterns we now regularly experience are impacting our ability to feed the nation.' The Environment Agency warned of a 'medium' risk of drought in England this summer without sustained rainfall. The Met Office said the driver for the prolonged warm and very dry spell has been high pressure. Responding to farmers' concerns, a Government spokesperson said: 'Our water infrastructure is crumbling after years of underinvestment, with population growth and climate change adding further strain. 'We are monitoring water levels and expect water companies to cut leaks and take action to protect supplies. 'Over £104 billion of private sector investment has been secured to fund essential infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs, to help secure our future water supply for farmers.'
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
UK weather: Britain set to be hotter than Ibiza this weekend as temperatures soar to 23C
The UK is set to be hotter than Ibiza this weekend, as Britons are told to expect the country's spell of sunshine to continue. Highs of 23C are forecast in some areas of the country, as the Met Office says the country should prepare to see more hot weather over the next few days. This means that Britain will be warmer than holiday hotspots including Ibiza and some Greek islands such as Corfu, which will see highs of 21C and 22C respectively. According to the Met Office's forecast for the weekend, it will be staying 'mostly dry and settled with further warm sunshine,' however, there will be some 'cooler and cloudier with patchy drizzle in the far north and east at times'. There may also be a shower in the south later in the weekend. The UK has seen warm temperatures this week, with the mercury having hit 24C in London on Wednesday. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris said: 'The settled weather is expected to continue into the weekend too as high pressure remains centred over the UK, although cloud and early mist will probably become a bit more widespread, this gradually retreating back to coasts through the course of the daytime.' Next week, the forecasters said most of the UK will be 'fine with sunny spells', with temperatures likely to be above normal for this time of year. Looking ahead to the bank holiday weekend, a change in weather is expected with more unsettled conditions likely to develop as weather systems move in from the Atlantic. The Met Office's long-range forecast reads: 'This will bring spells of rain to many areas, perhaps heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places. Some drier and brighter intervals are likely between systems. Temperatures will probably be near normal or slightly above.' The rain will be welcomed by some, after millions of households were warned of the risk of water restrictions. The Environment Agency has warned of a 'medium' risk of drought in England this summer without sustained rainfall, after the country experienced its driest start to spring in 61 years. The regulator has said there are currently no hosepipe bans planned, but warned water companies might have to implement measures including restrictions in the months ahead. Figures covering spring so far – 1 March to 11 May – also show that south-east England recorded only 34.9mm of rain in this period, the fourth lowest total since daily data began in 1931, while north-east England saw 39.5mm from 1 March to 11 May this year – the lowest since 1938.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Thunderstorms to hit parts of UK with warnings of possible flooding
Above-average temperature are forecast for the UK this weekend before thunderstorms hit parts of the country on Sunday, the Met Office has said. Much of the UK will enjoy blue skies on Saturday before showers drift in from the south on Saturday night, Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said. Heavy and potentially thundery showers could arrive on Sunday, mainly affecting the West Country, South Wales and parts of the West Midlands. Making plans this weekend? Have a look to see what the weather has in store 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) May 9, 2025 Temperatures this weekend are expected to reach highs of 25-26C, which is about 8C above average for the time of year, Mr Vautrey said. There could be 'heavy, short sharp' bursts of rain and hail and lightning, he said, adding: 'As is the case with thunderstorms, they're often quite hit and miss. 'Obviously it has been a pretty dry spring so for many areas rain is needed, but because of the heavy nature of these showers, splashing onto hard surfaces, there is the potential for minor localised issues and flooding.' Between 20mm and 30mm of rain could fall within a couple of hours, or as much as 40mm in three hours, the forecaster said. Motorists have been urged to take care when driving and be aware the thunderstorms 'could come on at very short notice', Mr Vautrey added. Showers are also expected in Northern Ireland and Scotland on Sunday and Monday. The wet weather could also continue on Monday in southern and western areas of the UK, and the Met Office is monitoring for any further warnings. From Tuesday, the high pressure will rebuild and dry conditions and sunshine will return across the country, with temperatures in the low to mid 20s.
