A shift in the UK weather pattern is set to bring a cooler, wetter and more unsettled spell after the late-May heatwave, with rain expected to develop in most parts of the country on Monday and turning heavy at times in western areas. The change comes as a stronger jet stream steers low-pressure systems across the UK, replacing the recent high-pressure conditions that had trapped warm air and helped drive temperatures sharply higher.
Tuesday is forecast to bring a mix of sunshine and heavy showers, with some areas likely to see thunder and lightning. More rain is expected on Wednesday, along with stronger winds, making it feel noticeably cooler. Daytime temperatures are expected to fall to around 15C to 20C, a marked contrast to the extreme warmth of the previous week.
The wetter weather may be welcome for gardeners and growers, especially in southern and eastern England, where conditions have been very dry over recent months. The rain could help ease pressure on soil and crops after an extended spell of hot, dry weather.
The change in conditions follows a period of record-breaking heat. England and Wales both recorded their hottest May days on record for two consecutive days, with heatwave criteria met in several areas. The highest temperature was 35.1C at Kew Gardens in London, while Cardiff’s Bute Park reached 32.9C. In response to the extreme temperatures, the UK Health Security Agency issued both amber and yellow heat health alerts across much of England.
The hot weather has also been linked to a series of deadly incidents in water. At least 14 people have died after getting into difficulty while swimming or spending time in open water. Among the victims were a 15-year-old girl who died in hospital after being rescued from the sea off the Merseyside coast, and a 19-year-old man who died after being recovered from a lake in Nottinghamshire. A body was also found during the search for a man who entered the water in the Norfolk Broads. Other deaths were reported in Kent, Oxfordshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Warwickshire, Hampshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Cornwall, as well as in north-east Scotland and Pembrokeshire.
Emergency services in Yorkshire were also searching for an 11-year-old boy last seen entering the River Don in Mexborough, highlighting the continued risks associated with open water, particularly for children.
Meanwhile, some communities are still dealing with the impact of the heat on water supplies. In Kent, thousands of residents continue to face disruption from South East Water after increased demand during the hot spell strained the network. More than 600 homes in the Whitstable area have no running water, while around 3,400 more are experiencing low pressure or an intermittent supply.
