Storms in the North, Heat in the South: Britain’s Weather Swings Again

After two scorching heatwaves, London enjoyed a brief spell of cooler temperatures and light showers this week. But the Met Office warns the break is temporary, as thunderstorms loom in the north and London prepares for another wave of heat.

A yellow warning for thunderstorms was issued on Thursday for northeast England and southeast Scotland, with forecasters predicting up to 20mm of rain in under an hour, accompanied by strong winds, lightning, and the risk of localised flooding. A separate warning covers western Scotland from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon, where over 100mm of rain may fall in hilly regions.

Meanwhile, Londoners are being told to expect another heatwave by mid-July, with temperatures forecast to rise to 27–28°C by the 15th or 16th. This follows a record-breaking June that saw highs of over 33°C, marking the hottest since UK records began in 1884. The brief period of showers dropped the capital’s temperatures to the low 20s, but sunny conditions are expected to return early next week, gradually heating up.

With the country oscillating between heavy rain in the north and rising heat in the south, the weather continues to challenge both commuters and planners. Another wave of summer extremes seems imminent, and Britons may need to stay alert, whether it’s for a flood warning or a sunburn.