Parts of the country could see rain and thunderstorms following weeks of intense heat.
The Met Office has predicted fresher, more changeable weather for the south of the UK, bringing an end to prolonged hot and dry conditions that have fuelled wildfires and prompted health alerts.
Despite the shift, a yellow heat health alert remains in place until 9am on Tuesday (August 18) for the South East, South West, and London, warning of potential impacts on health and social care services.
Rain and thunderstorms forecast for UK after fifth heatwave
Tom Morgan, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “I can’t promise rain for all of us through the week ahead, but in the south at least, it’s looking like the most changeable week we’ve seen here – well at least since the end of June.”
A jet stream that has lingered far to the north in recent weeks allowed high pressure to dominate, resulting in the UK’s fifth heatwave of the summer and the hottest day of the year.
Kew Gardens in London recorded temperatures of 38.1C on Thursday (August 13).
The jet stream is now expected to move south, bringing low pressure and unsettled weather across the country.
Mr Morgan said: “So a much more changeable and at times unsettled outlook through the middle part of the week – low pressure will dominate and slowly drift its way southwards.
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“So as well as some rain, showers, and even thunderstorms in places, it will certainly feel considerably fresher than recent weeks in the south.”
Showers are expected to become more widespread by Thursday, with a mix of sunshine and rain earlier in the week.
Several wildlifires caused by heat
The prolonged heat has led to a number of wildfires, including a major blaze in Stourbridge, West Midlands, that destroyed 19 homes.
West Midlands Fire Service said cordons have been “significantly lifted” and evacuated residents began returning home over the weekend.
In South Wales, firefighters responded to “significant wildfire activity” on Sunday (August 16), attending 14 separate incidents.
Around 200 military personnel and crews from London, Greater Manchester, Cumbria, and Bedfordshire were deployed to assist.
On Friday, millions of people in England and Wales received a mobile alert warning of a “very high risk of wildfires nationally.”
Emergency services have urged the public to call 999 only in genuine emergencies.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported an “unprecedented demand” on Saturday, receiving 736 calls—more than double the usual average of around 300.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described Britain as a “tinderbox,” and a temporary ban on disposable barbecues was put in place.
The yellow heat health alert warns of “minor impacts” on health and social care services, including increased demand from vulnerable individuals.
Will you be glad to see some rain after weeks of heat? Let us know in the comments.