UK weather forecast: Brits set for 30C sunshine as temperatures soar before thunderstorms hit

Temperatures could reach 30C in the south
AFP via Getty Images

Brits are set to bask in 30C heat later this week before thunderstorms sweep the country.

Forecasters say the south and southeast are set for a mixture of dry spells and showers during the week.

But by Friday, the south of the country will see be glorious sunshine with the mercury soaring to 30C.

On the other hand, the north will first see heavy rain while gale force winds will sweep across northeast Scotland but the picture improves as the week progresses.

UK Heatwave: Hottest day of 2020 so far as mercury hits 31C

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By Saturday, the sizzling heat will be brought to an abrupt end by sweeping thunderstorms and heavy showers.

Met Office meteorologist Sarah Kent said that Tuesday will see a "mixture of scattered showers and sunny spells" for the majority of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

She said that while it will be dry for most, northeast Scotland will see outbreaks of heavy rain and "strong gale force winds" for the whole day on Tuesday.

Temperatures in the south will hover around 22C while the north will be much fresher with a maximum of 13C, she added.

Ms Kent said: "Scotland and the north will see strong winds and outbreaks of rain but by the afternoon the day will begin to get brighter."

There will be spells of heavy rain and thuderstorms this week
PA

Temperatures will continue to climb on Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures reaching 24C in places.

Ms Kent said: "On Thursday, Northern Ireland will be cloudy with patchy rain which will travel across to Scotland in the morning.

"In England and Wales, it will be dry with a lot of sunshine throughout the south.

"Maximum temperatures in the south will be from 23-24C and even Scotland may see temperatures up to 20C," she said.

Friday will be a day of glorious sunshine for most
PA

By Friday, there will be a great deal of dry and warm weather with plenty of strong sunshine in the morning, Ms Kent said.

She warned that UV levels will be very strong so Brits should be prepared.

The mercury is expected to soar to 30C with a small chance it could hit 32C in the southeast.

It is predicted to be July's hottest day after 28.5C was recorded at Heathrow on July 17.

But, the picture will begin to change on Friday night, Ms Kent said.

There will be heavy rain and thunderstorms this week
PA

"After the heat, we are looking at thunderstorms from Friday night to Saturday morning," she said.

"Scattered, heavy and thundery rain will sweep the country.

"Eventually, we will see some brighter weather coming through to the west."

Temperatures will also start to drop with a maximum of 28C in the southeast

For Sunday, Ms Kent said it looks like it will be a dry and bright day for most.

However, unsettled weather is set to sweep in by Monday morning for the start of next week.

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