UK heatwave: Weather maps show exact time each region faces violent thunderstorms
Weather maps reveal the precise timing of violent thunderstorms set to end the UK's latest heatwave. Forecasters say a plume of hot air will become increasingly unstable, triggering potentially severe storms capable of bringing torrential rain, frequent lightning, hail, and flash flooding.
The first signs of storm activity will emerge across parts of the Southwest of England and parts of Wales from around mid-afternoon on Sunday, then intensify and spread north and east as evening progresses.
By approximately 5pm to 6pm on Sunday, the zone of unsettled weather is forecast to expand into the Midlands and the Northwest of England. Cities including Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, and Liverpool could all experience thunderstorms during the evening commute, potentially causing disruption on roads and rail networks.
By around 8pm to 10pm on Sunday, parts of Yorkshire, the Humber region, East Anglia, and the North East could experience intense downpours and lightning strikes. London and much of the South East may not see the worst of the storms until between 9pm and midnight, continuing into the early hours of Monday.
Parts of southern and central Scotland are also expected to be affected late on Sunday and into Monday morning as the unstable air mass moves northwards. Northern Ireland's heatwave will end abruptly on Monday night when the thunderstorm moves north over the nation.
The Met Office has issued several weather warnings for storms, including for London and the Southeast of England and the East of England. Meteorologists explain that the storms are being fuelled by a clash between exceptionally warm, humid air drawn north from continental Europe and cooler Atlantic air pushing in from the west. This contrast creates atmospheric instability, significantly increasing the likelihood of sudden and intense thunderstorms.
Temperatures will quickly rise on Monday and are forecast to reach 34C in southern parts of England, though this brings with it the chance of thundery showers for some. The thunderstorms should help bring an end to the most intense heat in many areas, although temperatures are still expected to remain above average for the time of year.