Heatwave ends as Met Office removes extreme heat warnings and forecasts rain

The Met Office has lifted its final extreme heat weather warning following a historic week of high temperatures in the UK.

Temperatures have dropped following a record-breaking heatwave that saw the hottest June day record shattered three days in a row.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also lifted its heat health alerts, which were in place across large swathes of England this week.

Fresher air is moving in on Sunday after an amber warning covering parts of the southeast of England was lifted at 9am.

Average June temperatures reaching the mid-to-low twenties are expected for most of the country throughout the week.

Meteorologist Liam Eslick said there will be showers in Scotland and Northern Ireland on Sunday, but the rest of the UK will experience “a typical summer’s day.”

He added: “It will still feel hot in a few places, chiefly across the eastern half of England, but elsewhere around those mid-to-low twenties, and even into the teens up towards the northwest.”

Overnight, blustery showers will continue across Scotland and Northern Ireland, and there is a possibility of thunderstorms in the north later in the week, the Met Office said.

On Monday, the warmest weather will be experienced in the southeast, where a high of 25C is forecast in London.

Temperatures in the high-teens and low-twenties are expected over the course of the week.

The UK saw three consecutive days of record temperatures, peaking at 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Friday.

Rare red extreme heat weather warnings, which had only ever been issued once before, were in force across large parts of the UK.

A series of thunderstorm weather warnings were also in place, as lightning and heavy rain battered much of the country.

The unprecedented weather caused thousands of schools to close, while critical incidents were declared at several NHS trusts.

It has sparked warnings from climate scientists, who say the heatwave should serve as a “wake-up call” for Britain to urgently prepare for a Mediterranean climate.

Meanwhile, hundreds have died throughout Europe, where heat records in 45 per cent of cities have been broken or are forecast to be broken.

Met Office five-day forecast

Today

Patchy outbreaks of rain in the west today, gradually moving east. Sunny spells elsewhere and feeling hot and humid again in eastern England. A fresher feel elsewhere with a gentle breeze.

Tonight

Cloudy in northwest Scotland with outbreaks of rain. Drier elsewhere with clear spells. A much fresher night compared to recent days

Monday

Dry with sunny spells for many. Scattered showers are possible across the north. Temperatures around the seasonal average for most.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday

Scattered showers on Tuesday, with thunderstorms possible in the north. Largely dry thereafter with sunny spells, although showery outbreaks of rain are possible at times. Fresher than of late.