Record-breaking heatwave set to break in coming days as Britain set for soggy start to June
Britain's record-shattering heatwave will draw to a close this weekend, with cloud cover and rainfall replacing the scorching conditions in the first days of June.
The transition will not be uniform across the country, according to the Met Office.
Southern and south-eastern regions can expect a pleasant Saturday morning, with temperatures remaining above typical for late May and some sunshine continuing into Sunday.
However, northern and western parts of the country face a wetter picture, with the heaviest and most persistent showers forecast for Sunday.
The first days of June will bring more widespread rainfall, though forecasters say there will be occasional brighter spells between the showers.
Temperatures are expected to drop back towards seasonal norms next week.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst described the incoming weather shift as "a change from the heatwave" that many will appreciate.
He said: "It's been quite a dry period of weather and hot period of weather, so it will be probably much needed and much welcome rain to gardeners and growers and farmers with the ground being so dry at the moment."
Mr Dewhurst said: "So it is a change, but probably a welcome change for those who either don't like the heat or want some rain."
He offered reassurance that warmer conditions will return, noting there are "good signs" of heat making a comeback.
Mr Dewhurst indicated that while meteorological summer will begin unsettled, conditions should stabilise during the middle to second half of June, with higher pressure becoming more dominant.
The weather shift follows a historic week for temperatures across Britain.
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Tuesday saw both England and Wales experience their hottest May day ever recorded.
West London's Kew Gardens registered a sweltering 35.1C, smashing previous records for the month.
Across the border in Wales, Cardiff's Bute Park hit 32.9C, also setting a new benchmark for May temperatures in the country.
The extreme heat prompted warnings from authorities and placed significant strain on emergency services and water infrastructure.
The prolonged spell of hot, dry weather has left ground conditions parched across much of the country, making the forecast rainfall particularly timely for agricultural areas.
The heatwave has exacted a devastating human toll, with 12 people losing their lives in water-related incidents since the extreme temperatures began.
Fatalities have occurred across the country, spanning South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire.
Meanwhile, thousands of Kent residents continue to struggle with water supply problems this weekend as South East Water has been battling to maintain services during the prolonged hot spell.
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