THE Met Office has revealed the exact date summer will return.
Weather maps are turning orange with temperatures hitting a scorching 25C in parts of the UK just days after flood warnings.
Yesterday, three warnings were issued as Brits were drenched by thundery downpours in a bad omen – as per St Swithin’s Day folklore.
A wet and stormy front pushed into South West England and southern Wales posing a “danger to life” with up to 40mm of rain forecast.
A second warning remains in place until 9am today, covering the rest of southern and central England and stretching further up the eastern coast.
But by tomorrow things could make a swift turnaround.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “For many, Wednesday actually looks like a largely decent day.
“Plenty of fine sunny weather to start off with.”
He warned there could be some showers developing into the afternoon, particularly across northwest Scotland.
“But elsewhere, away from the showers there will be some sunny breaks as we go through the afternoon and in these the temperatures are going to be rising,” Mr Burkill said.
“It’s going to feel a little bit warmer than it has done recently, highs of around 25C perhaps down towards the southeast.”
He went on to say, that “more fine weather” is expected to follow on Thursday, particularly in the southeast “because here we’re going to be under the influence of high pressure”.
Weather maps show Thursday can also expect highs of 25C in parts of the country – as well as for Friday.
The Environment Agency has three flood warnings and 29 alerts remain in place this morning across England.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has eight flood alerts in place.
According to traditional folklore, the weather experienced on St Swithin’s Day (July 15) will continue for the next 40 days – meaning parts of the country could be in for a wet rest of the summer if superstition holds true.
The proverb of St Swithin says: “St Swithin’s Day if thou dost rain, for forty days it will remain, St Swithin’s Day if thou be fair, for forty days will rain na mair.”
TODAY:
Rain across parts of England and Wales clearing east during the morning. Sunny spells and scattered showers follow for many, these mostly light in the west, but heavy in the north and east. Breezier in the south and east.
TONIGHT:
Showers easing with clear spells developing for many, allowing some mist and fog patches to form in places. Cooler than recent nights with temperatures dropping into single figures for some.
WEDNESDAY:
Any remaining showers across northeast Scotland soon fading with most places seeing a fine and dry day with decent amounts of sunshine. Skies clouding over from the west later.
THURSDAY TO SATURDAY:
Outbreaks of showery rain moving east on Thursday. Remaining changeable Friday and Saturday with showers or longer spells of rain. Temperatures near normal but becoming very warm in the southeast.
