UK weather forecast: Hot and muggy with highs of 27C but warning of ‘lively’ thunderstorms

The Met Office predicts mercury could rise to as high as 27C in the south and east, while elsewhere it will typically be in the mid-20th century, but there is also a risk of thunderstorms

Brits are set for hot and humid conditions today, with likely thunderstorms and 27C highs.

The run of high temperatures continues this week, with mercury likely to peak on Tuesday as hot air moves north.

So far this year, the highest temperature was 23.6C on May 6 in Faversham, Kent, and that figure could well be beaten.

But Met Office forecaster Alex Deakin said the public needs to be alert to the risk of thunderstorms and showers alongside high temperatures and sunshine.

“We’ll then see lots of fine weather again on Tuesday, maybe a bit of fog early on,” Mr Deakin said.

“Certainly the coasts of eastern Scotland and Orkney can suffer from hair [cold sea fog] sometimes, but generally, as I said, much dry, sunny weather in central and eastern parts.

“However, further west we are seeing a weather front bringing intermittent heavy cloud and rain to Northern Ireland, which will transition to western Scotland, west Wales and south west England by the end of the day. At this point, the rain could get pretty heavy there and have some pretty bright colors (on the map).

“Further east although most places are dry and nice with plenty of very warm sunshine and a fairly humid feeling, widespread up to 23c, 24c, London to the Wash here 26c, possibly 27c. Cooler on the coast where it remains foggy and cooler under the clouds and rain further west.”

The humid air in the southeast threatens thunderstorms that could become “lively”.

“At the same time there is a risk of thunderstorms moving in from France across East Anglia and the South East and not seeing the downpours everywhere but they could be quite brisk,” Mr Deakin said.

Then the Met Office looks ahead to Wednesday for another warm day, but not quite as hot with temperatures peaking in the mid 20sC.

It’s likely to be bright and sunny, but there’s a risk that moister air will move north, bringing thunderstorms and “heavy” rain on Wednesday night.

UK forecast for the next 5 days

Warm in the south-east but wet and windy in the west.

Today:

Sunny spells for many and very warm in southeastern areas. However, cloud and rain across Northern Ireland will become more widespread and heavier to the west and then north, with possible gusty, gusty winds and a cooler feel.

This evening:

Wet, windy weather in parts of the north and west, although more showers later in northwestern areas. Thunderstorm showers will initially move across some south-eastern areas. Otherwise clear skies.

Wednesday:

Rain over Scotland Glade. Many parts fine, warm in the southeast. Cloudy conditions in north west UK with stronger winds and patchy rain, while late thunderstorms are possible in south east areas.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Thunderstorms early Thursday, then fresher in most places with a mix of sunshine and showers, mainly in the north and west.