THOUSANDS of Brits flocked to parks and beaches up and down the country to bask in 31°C today.
Most of England and Wales are experiencing warm temperatures with residents in the southeast enjoying the best of the weather.
Brighton has become a popular destination with temperatures in the mid-20s
MET OfficeThe Met Office revealed it could get as hot as 30°C in London[/caption]
MET OfficeThe forecaster has warned of thundery storms this weekend[/caption]
i-ImagesThousands of Brits made the most of the sun[/caption]
Temperatures will reach the mid-20s across much of the UK today but those in Greater London are in for a whopping 31°C of heat.
However rain is set to return as we head further into the weekend.
By Friday evening thundery showers are set to appear as the weather cools.
The further west you are the more likely you are to experience that drop in temperature.
Brits in the southeast could still be lounging in “very warm” 30°C heat on Saturday if the weather front stays at the bay long enough.
Yet the Met Office has warned locals they could still experience heavy bursts of rain as the weekend progresses.
There’s potential for thunderstorms in Eastern England by Saturday afternoon and into the evening.
The Met Office said on X, formerly Twitter: “High pressure in the East draws up warmer air from the continent over the next few days.
“Temperatures will peak at around 30 Celsius in parts of the southeast by Friday.
“A frontal system pushes the warm air away through Sunday where temperatures will fall towards the low 20s.”
Northern Ireland, northern England and much of Scotland will be feeling cooler with the potential for some cloud and rain.
As thousands of Brits look to make the most of the hot weather the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat alerts in four locations.
The warning in East Midlands, East England, London and the South East will remain in place until 11pm on Saturday.
The alert says the heat could impact vulnerable people as they could become increasingly warm while inside and there are chances the need for healthcare services could rise.
Meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said to expect high levels of UV as temperatures soar.
“A little bit warmer extending further north across northeastern areas of eastern Scotland still staying largely dry and seeing temperatures into the low 20s as well but it will be all that bit breezier,” she added.
Annie said there was a chance of “30°C, potentially 31°C is possible for the greater London area”.
The meteorologist added: “Quite widely will be in those high 20s across many central and southeastern areas of England as well.”
A map showed that Norwich and Birmingham would likely hit 28°C, Hull 27°C, Southampton 26°C and Manchester 25°C.
It comes just days after the Met Office issued flood warnings.
On Monday three warnings were issued as Brits were drenched by thundery downpours in a bad omen – as per St Swithin’s Day folklore.
Meanwhile parts of the country have already well-exceeded July’s average rainfall figures despite only being halfway through the month.
The Met Office spokesperson said England had 97 per cent of July’s average rainfall between July 1 and 15, Wales had 65 per cent, Scotland 49 per cent and Northern Ireland 47 per cent.
London has had 154 per cent of its July average already and Dorset 120 per cent.
Edinburgh has only had 40 per cent and Dundee 33 per cent.
Ms Maxey said: “There are quite big regional differences but overall it’s looking like a wet month so far.
“There is a caveat that, with a dry couple of weeks, by the end of the month things could even themselves out.”
She said that two or three heavy downpours often caused much of a location’s July rainfall totals, rather than a prolonged period of wet weather.
Met Office’s latest forecast
Today:
Cloudy in Northern Ireland and Scotland, but sunny spells gradually developing in sheltered spots.
Temperatures here near average.
Elsewhere, sunny spells and very warm or even hot in the sunshine, especially in the southeast with light winds.
Tonight:
Turning cloudy in the west with outbreaks of rain in places.
Clearer skies in central and southern areas where it will remain warm and even feeling muggy for some.
Saturday:
Remaining cloudy in the west with some rain, heavy in spots and moving eastwards through the day.
The southeast will remain mostly dry where it stays very warm.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Drier, brighter and fresher on Sunday after rain moves eastwards.
Blustery with rain or showers on Monday, and feeling cooler, but a fine day is expected on Tuesday.
Very warm continental air is reaching the UK
AlamyTemperatures will peak at around 30°C[/caption]
AlamyBrits in the southeast will experience the hottest temperatures[/caption]
i-ImagesMuch of the UK will experience heat in the mid-20s[/caption]
AlamyBrits were basking in the glorious sunshine in Brighton yesterday[/caption]
AlamyHealth officials have put out yellow alerts from today warning Brits to take care in the heat[/caption]
AlamyBrits in the east could still be lounging in 30°C heat on Saturday[/caption]
