UK weather forecast: Londoners rejoice after first sign of rain returns to sweltering capital … as storms battering rest of the country

Wet weather could disrupt a sizzling heatwave in London
Alex Lentati
Chloe Chaplain27 July 2018

Londoners have rejoiced after the first sign of rain in weeks hinted at some relief from the scorching heatwave.

The capital has seen ever-higher temperatures in the past week, with some talk that the all-time record of 38.5C could be surpassed.

Commuters have been forced to endure sweltering Tubes and health warnings have been issued advising people to avoid the midday heat as the entire country battled with unprecedented heat.

But on Friday afternoon there was a brief interlude from the baking heat, with showers temporarily cooling the capital.

Londoners, who are normally praying for a break in raining weather, were jubilant.

“Dear Rain, Thank you for coming to visit us here in South-West London, even if it is not going to be for long. Your presence in our lives has been missed.

The UK has been basking in warm weather for weeks
Jeremy Selwyn

"Please do not leave such a lengthy gap between visits again. Kind regards, A Man who no longer needs to Water the Garden,” posted one person.

Another said: “I never thought that rain in London was going to be such a happy event.”

“My nephew is 7 weeks old. Today is the first time he’s seen, heard or felt rain. Grown people in London are losing their s*** over water falling from the sky. What a time to be alive. #HeatWave2018 #yesitsraining.”

Battersea was this year's runner-up: Children play next to a fountain in Battersea Park
Reuters

"People actually dancing and singing in the rain in north London like it's a gift from the gods or something," wrote someone else.

Ahead of the rain, forecasters issued an amber alert for parts of England - a step up from yellow - with intense storms set to bring an abrupt end to the heatwave.

Thursday saw the highest temperature recorded in the UK since 2015, with Wisley in Surrey hitting 35.1C.

The hot weather and very high afternoon temperatures have led to an amber warning for thunderstorms valid from 2pm to 8pm in the East Midlands and East of England on Friday.

Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA

Torrential downpours are possible, with as much as 30mm of rainfall in one hour and 60mm in three hours, while large hail, frequent lightning and strong, gusty winds will be additional hazards, forecasters warned.

The yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place until 2am on Saturday and covers London and the East of England.

UK Heatwave

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Those in the areas covered by the warnings can expect flooding of homes and businesses, which could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater.

"Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life," the Met Office said of the areas covered by the amber warning.

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