Consider this a warning to turn off the TV and get to the park: you’ve got 24 hours max to make the most of this week’s sunny weather before storms arrive.
We are in the middle of a mini heatwave, with temperatures of up to 32C making the UK feel like a lovely Mediterranean holiday (unless you spent it standing up on public transport and your office has no air con).
As we all know, however, you cannot count on British summer to stay like that for long, and in traditional fashion the warm weather is set to give way to rain.
In the South East, this could happen as early as today, with a yellow warning in place covering London and the south coast. But for most, the storms will set in tomorrow, when warnings are in place the entire day.
The Met Office forecast says ‘temperatures will rise quickly leading to another hot day’ today. The morning will begin with a dry and warm start for many, with the chance of isolated thundery showers near English Channel coasts and later across the southeast.
Tomorrow’s warning highlights potential flooding and disruption to travel.
‘Multiple rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast on Thursday, and may lead to some disruption,’ the Met Office said. ‘Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.’
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued heat alerts for much of England lasting until August 2, with elderly people and those with health conditions most at risk in the heat.
Before the storms hit, UV levels are likely to be higher than usual, so remember sunscreen and a had if outside for long.
The heatwave is not going to stick around, as low pressure will dominate during the first half of August with spells of rain spreading in from the Atlantic.
These will be heavy at times in the northwest, and lighter by the time it reaches east and southeastern areas. Temperatures are likely to be close to normal or perhaps slightly below.
It’s possible that things could be warmer and more settled again by the second half of the month.
But essentially, when it comes to the sweltering summer this week, we are on borrowed time.
So put on your shorts and T-shirts, go to the park, eat an ice cream – but don’t count on managing a full barbecue.
Be like new prime minister Keir Starmer (the only leader pictured with his own cagoule at the Paris Olympics – a proud achievement) and pack your mac as well.
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