UK weather forecast: muggy 24C today but warnings of thunderstorms and hail

The UK faces another scorching day today, with mercury rising to as high as 24C in the south east, but heavy showers, thunderstorms and hail are also likely on Thursday

The Brits are set for another hot and sunny day, with temperatures reaching 24C, but there are also warnings of showers, thunderstorms and even some hail today.

Britain experienced its hottest day of the year so far as mercury rose to 27.5C at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday, but heavy showers hit parts of the country in the evening and early Wednesday.

Temperatures will be slightly lower today with highs of 24C but again there is a chance of heavy showers between the sunny weather, particularly in the north and west.

It is also expected to be blustery in the north with high winds and hail possible overnight in central and eastern England.

“There’s always a chance of rain or showers, thunderstorms over the next few days but mostly at night, some calmer weather during the day through Friday,” Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said.

“At the moment this band of rain is strong, strong winds associated with it across Northern Ireland and western Scotland are moving to northern England and the eastern counties where there can be an odd rumble of thunder with every outbreak of showers.

“It’s clearing up very quickly towards Shetland where we’ll see the winds approaching gale force.”

There will likely be showers in Scotland this morning, but it should be fine and sunny.

Ms Nasir continued: “A bright day with some sunshine across much of England and Wales with a lighter breeze in the south and east.

“Well in the South East we saw the highest temperature of the year so far on Tuesday, a notch lower on Wednesday despite it being a pleasant morning.

“It’s a fine morning and even in north west Scotland you should find a better picture here as the showers subside, you should see more brighter weather as the clouds clear.”

There is a warning of a band of rain moving in from the west with some ‘strong outbursts’ bringing strong winds.

“Temperatures are usually around 20C for the Murray Firth and 24C for the London region and 18C for Northern Ireland,” Ms Nasir said.

“Showers on the south coast will continue to migrate north and more will gather in the Channel Islands and the Brest Peninsula and these will have a thunderstorm element.

“Indeed, they will advance north overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. So there will be some thunderstorms, some severe outbreaks and even a risk of hail in central and eastern areas of England.”

UK forecast for the next 5 days

Good for many Wednesday but rain or thunderstorms overnight.

Today:

Early rain over the glade in northern Scotland. Many parts are then largely ok and warm up in south-eastern areas. Clouds and stronger winds will bring rain to Northern Ireland later, with showers in parts of Wales, south-west and central England.

This evening:

Showers across much of Wales and England; Some heavy downpours, lightning and maybe hail are possible in southeastern areas. Rain and strong winds cross northern areas. Most parts will dry later.

Thursday:

Many areas dry with decent sunshine and patchy clouds. Despite slightly lower temperatures, it should feel comfortable in the sunshine. Isolated showers are seen across the north west of the UK, particularly in western Scotland.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Heavy thunderstorms threaten in the extreme south-east on Friday. Otherwise, showers will mainly affect northern and western areas, with sunny spells in between. Fresher feeling for everyone.