UK hits final day of the heatwave – when will the hot weather return?

Heatwave conditions are giving way to cooler temperatures and the possibility of some rain this weekend but forecasters warn this may be only a brief respite from the record-breaking temperatures.

Record-breaking temperatures have dominated the weather for the past week as the UK endured its hottest-ever May bank holiday weekend.

A temperature of 35.1°C was recorded at Kew Gardens in London on Tuesday 26 May, exceeding the previous UK May record of 32.8°C.

Above-average temperatures have persisted this week, with a peak of 30°C expected today in parts of the south and east of England.

But this is soon to be replaced with cooler conditions coming in from the Atlantic.

Kathryn Chalk, Met Office meteorologist, said: “Fresher air is coming into place as we head through tomorrow”.

A cold front heading in from the north-west is moving east, bringing more fresh and damp conditions, hitting Northern Ireland and much of Scotland today with potential for some thunderstorms and downpours.

By Sunday, there will still be “plenty of sunshine across East Anglia and the South East”, but it will be fresher, and as the day progresses, there will be more cloud everywhere, with longer spells of rain in the far north of Scotland.

Temperatures will peak at 24°C in the South East and just 15°C in north west Scotland, closer to the average for this time of year.

There will be the odd scattered showers across the UK by Sunday evening before the start of June on Monday.

Ms Chalk said: “As we head into the start of what will be meteorological summer, it turns downhill.

“We’ll see the return of more low pressure systems moving their way, so perhaps actually bringing some welcome rainfall and a relief from the heat.”

Looking ahead for the rest of the week, the weather is expected to remain unsettled, with spells of rain on Monday, heavy and thundery showers on Tuesday, and further rain on Wednesday, with temperatures near average for the time of year.

However, the bank holiday heatwave is not forecast to be the only hot and sunny spell on the horizon this summer.

Long-range forecasts predict drier weather may start to become more dominant through the second week of June, with the warmest spots most likely across eastern areas.

And from middle-June onwards, high pressure is expected to be in charge with dry and settled conditions and temperatures likely to trend above average, with very warm spells possible in places.

Becky Mitchell, Met Office meteorologist, told The i Paper: “For the first half of June, temperatures will be around average.

“But there are signs that towards the second half of June they may start to rise again, although it is too early to say it with any confidence at the moment.”

Heatwave conditions across the UK in the past week have triggered amber heat-health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and there have been warnings of the dangers of cold water shock and drowning from a number of safety organisations including the RNLI and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

Thousands have flocked to the coast, inland lakes and rivers to cool off. But this has also brought tragedy, with 12 deaths from water-related incidents as the temperatures soared.

Charlie Noble was named as the 12th person to die after the 16-year-old’s body was recovered in Stirlingshire, Scotland, on Thursday.

There have also been deaths in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire.

Meanwhile, residents in Kent and parts of Sussex have been left without a water supply as South East Water struggled to keep up with demand during the heatwave.

What is cold water shock?

Cold water shock is the body’s natural physical reaction to sudden immersion in cold water.

The response is immediate and can lead to drowning, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said.

Anyone who suddenly enters cold water is at risk and they may accidentally fall in or jump in, the NFCC added.

Cold water shock can affect anyone regardless of swimming ability.

What happens when you have cold water shock?

It causes gasping, panic and loss of swimming ability, all of which can lead to drowning, the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) said.

It also causes a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, which can result in a heart attack, even if the person is fit and healthy.

What can people do to stay safe?

Phone Float Throw is a new water safety campaign from the NWSF and Respect the Water.

It provides bystanders witnessing someone struggling in the water with instructions for how to help, without putting themselves in danger:

• Phone 999 to get help
• Tell the person to stay calm and float on their back
• Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive.