UK Faces Scorching Temps and Thunderstorms This Week

This week, the UK is bracing for a spell of hot weather, with temperatures set to reach as high as 30°C in some parts of the country. The Met Office has reported that the heat is being driven by southwesterly winds, bringing in hotter and more humid conditions, particularly in southern areas.

On Thursday, a yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for much of Northern Ireland, with the potential for heavy showers and a few thunderstorms that could cause some disruption, particularly to travel. Across the rest of the UK, temperatures are expected to climb to 28°C, with a chance of reaching 29°C in some areas.

The peak of the current hot spell is expected to be on Friday, with the potential for temperatures to reach 30°C in the London region. However, this heat is not expected to be as widespread as the recent heatwaves, and areas to the north are not likely to see the same high temperatures.

The unsettled weather is forecast to spread across more of the UK over the weekend, as temperatures start to slowly drop. There is a chance of some heavy showers and thunderstorms across the country, although the details are still uncertain.

Despite the upcoming hot spell, the Met Office has stated that it is unlikely to reach the criteria for a heatwave for most people, and will instead be considered a "hot spell." Nevertheless, the dry conditions have led to the declaration of drought in several regions, and water companies have implemented hosepipe bans to protect the environment.