Millions of Britons are set to be drenched in heavy rain on Wednesday as a shift in the jet stream brings low pressure to UK shores, the Met Office has warned. Following a record-breaking May heatwave that saw temperatures climb above 35C in some regions, the weather is taking a dramatic turn.
Temperature Drop After Record Heat
Temperatures have fallen to approximately normal for this period of the year after the hottest May on record. However, thunderstorms and rainfall have already arrived in many locations. While the Met Office states some "dry and bright weather" can be anticipated first thing Wednesday morning, forecasters warn: "It is not going to last."
Met Office Details the Coming System
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern explains that a new weather system "with a stronger-than-average and more south-shifted jet stream" will deliver low pressure to UK shores. "That means it swiftly turns wet across Northern Ireland, Wales and the South West first thing Wednesday morning," he said. "[It will be a] tricky rush hour as this rain moves north-eastwards, turning damp for central, eastern and northern England by the afternoon, as well as central and southern Scotland."
Mr McGivern noted that even as skies clear and brighten in the afternoon, there will still be "a lot of showers returning to Northern Ireland, the north and central England, as well as Wales in particular."
UK Regions Facing Heavy Rain on Wednesday
- Northern Ireland
- Wales
- South West of England
- Central England
- Eastern England
- Northern England
- Southern Scotland
- Central Scotland
The Met Office has predicted highs of 21C in southern regions on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 19C further north. Comparable conditions are anticipated throughout the remainder of the week.
BBC Weather Forecast for This Week
The BBC weather forecast states: "[Wednesday] will be cloudy and windy with outbreaks of rain pushing eastwards, these occasionally heavy with a risk of thunder in the north. Sunny spells developing in the south later in the afternoon."
"A mix of sunshine and heavy showers on Thursday. Risk of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Friday looks to see sunny spells interspersed with showers in the west and north. Drier elsewhere. Saturday will see mostly cloudy skies with a chance of light rain in western areas."
