UK weather forecast – Britain set for 32C SCORCHER as ‘Spanish plume’ smothers nation
BRITS are bracing for a scorcher next week as the mercury soars to 32C and a "Spanish plume" smothers the UK in heat.
But it's not quite BBQ weather yet, as the humidity will bring a high risk of thundery bursts of rain.
As the continent basks in highs of over 40C, we will feel the benefit - with hot air coming westwards.
Next Wednesday and Thursday are set to be the hottest of the year so far with the mercury tipping over the 30C mark.
But with thunder and showers looming, flash floods could still be on the cards.
Met Office meteorologist Helen Roberts told The Sun Online: "Late Sunday and early Monday low pressure from the Atlantic will come in, bringing warnings of thundery showers.
TEMPERATURE TO PEAK WEDNESDAY
"Another batch of showery rain is coming westwards on Tuesday, with heavy, thundery bursts.
"For the rest of the week, there will be increasing temperatures and warm air from the continent.
"It will get hotter towards the end of the week, but with an increased risk of thundery downpours at times.
"Although the forecast isn't completely accurate at this stage, temperatures are expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday."
But some forecasters have said that, despite the likelihood of showers, the mercury could reach into the low 30s in the middle of next week.
Sara Thornton, director of digital weather company , told The Sun Online: "As the summer solstice arrives and the days begin to shorten again, still nobody in the UK has reached 30C yet.
"And that’s unusual by midsummer. But after such a cool and wet start to summer, many places are set to see scorching weather through next week.
"After a fine weekend for us, the real heat arrives behind a warm front by Monday.
"Across parts of Spain, Portugal and the western Mediterranean, near 40-degree temperatures will be brewing up; and some of this blistering heat looks like escaping northwards and wafting our way.
"As usual, its southern and eastern parts of the UK which look set to see the highest temperatures - reaching the low 30s in some places.
"That’s over 20 degrees higher than earlier in the month.
Whilst the higher temperatures next week will bring a dramatic change to the feel of our summer, it doesn’t mean that the downpours are behind us
Sara Thornton
"It will get uncomfortably humid for many, too, with some steamy nights to come.
"But here’s the catch. Whilst the higher temperatures next week will bring a dramatic change to the feel of our summer, it doesn’t mean that the downpours are behind us.
"In fact there’s potential that we may experience 'Spanish Plumes’ of thundery weather heading in our direction.
"With so much heat and moisture in the atmosphere, there’s the potential for some violent storms and further flash flooding.
"So the hot spell looks like being a bit of a double-edged sword. Very warm but, for some, very wet.
"Those hoping this will mark the start of a long, hot summer may be disappointed too. The heat may prove to be a 'flash in the pan', with much cooler weather returning by next weekend."
FLOODS CONTINUE
Meanwhile, hail, flooding and bolts of lightning could damage homes and businesses this weekend as thunderstorms drench the UK in torrential rain, forecasters have warned.
Power cuts may also leave Brits in the dark, the Met Office said after issuing a Yellow weather warning for most of England.
Rising temperatures coupled with low pressure may create "massive cumulonimbus clouds" as a plume of "very warm air" imports from Europe.
The storms are set to arrive on Sunday and following two days of dry and sunny spells tomorrow and on Saturday.
Issuing the yellow warning on its website, the Met Office said: "Thunderstorms may develop bringing torrential rain and lightning, with possible flooding and disruption to travel."
It added that homes and businesses could be "flooded quickly", with damage to some buildings from "floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds".
There is also the danger of power cuts leaving many without electricity, as well as spray on the roads that could cause traffic chaos.
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