BRITS are set to enjoy even more glorious sunshine today although some areas could experience rain and some “thundery downpours”.
Following on from yesterday – which was the hottest day of the year so far – much of Britain is set to be “fresher” amid sunny conditions, the Met Office said.
Parts of Scotland and the east coast of England could experience ‘thundery downpours’ later today[/caption]
Tennis fans enjoying the sun while queuing for Wimbledon yesterday[/caption]
Sunseekers were spotted tucking into ice creams as temperatures exceeded 34C on Tuesday – like here in London[/caption]
Yesterday, temperatures exceeded 34C in some areas, sending Brits rushing to beaches and outdoor pools to cool off.
34.4C was recorded on the mercury in Writtle, Essex, trumping last year’s record high of 33.2C – recorded on June 21 in Charlwood, Surrey.
But now, the Met Office has predicted that temperatures will begin to mellow out, although without a huge loss of sunshine for many.
In its forecast this morning, the weather agency said today would have a “mixed morning, with sunny spells and showery rain”.
The forecaster continued: “The rain could be heavy in the east, with perhaps the odd thundery downpour.”
Met Office weather maps indicate that much of the eastern and north-east England, as well as Scotland, could receive heavy rain later today.
This includes the cities of Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh as well as a number of other towns alongside the east coast.
Despite this rain, the Met Office has said that conditions are likely to become “drier and sunnier” as we head into the afternoon and evening.
Tonight, the forecaster added it would likely be a “fine” evening, with spells of sunshine ahead of dusk.
The “cooler” conditions are expected to come alongside clear skies for England and Wales overnight, leading to dry conditions.
Northern Ireland and Scotland are expected to be cloudier overnight, with showers slowly spreading eastward.
Yesterday, revellers flocked to beaches to soak up the best of the sunshine and work on their tans as temperatures soared into the mid-30s.
The 34.4C recorded yesterday exceeded the peak from Monday of 33.1C, measured at Heathrow Airport, which marked the hottest start to Wimbledon on record.
Yesterday’s hot weather also marked the second heatwave for parts of the UK within the last month.
Rainfall has been forecast for much of the north east of England and eastern Scotland today[/caption]
Youngsters cooling off in the River Cherwell in Oxford during the hot weather yesterday[/caption]
Two tennis fans enjoying a drink at Wimbledon as temperatures soared on Tuesday[/caption]
Since 1960, UK temperatures in June have surpassed 34C in only three years, with the hottest being 35.6C – recorded in 1976.
But despite the intense heat, sun-kissed Brits were pictured making the most of the weather, tucking into ice creams and relaxing by the sea.
The action has also been hotting up at Wimbledon, with tennis fans and players both trying to keep cool.
Met Office five-day forecast
Today: A mixed morning, with sunny spells and showery rain.
The rain could be heavy in the east, with perhaps the odd thundery downpour.
Tending to become drier and sunnier later in the afternoon and into the evening. Fresher for many.
Tonight: A fine evening with spells of sunshine ahead of dusk.
Dry for England and Wales overnight, with clear skies.
Cloudier for Northern Ireland and Scotland, with showers spreading eastwards. Cooler.
Thursday: A north-south split in the weather.
Rather cool with sunshine and frequent blustery showers across the north.
Mostly dry with warm spells of sunshine in the south.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Brisk winds and rain in the north Friday.
Dry and sunny in the south.
An unsettled weekend for most, with blustery showers.
Cool in the northwest, warmer in the southeast.
