July 20th 2024.
As the month began, the city of Westminster in London was hit with a heavy downpour, causing people to scramble for cover. However, this was just a small taste of what was to come. The glorious weather we have been basking in for the past few days is about to come to an unexpected end, as the Met Office has warned us of impending thunderstorms.
Those who took advantage of the mini heatwave in London yesterday were treated to the warmest day of the year so far, with the temperature reaching a sweltering 31.9C in St James' Park. The sun was shining bright and roads leading to popular seaside destinations like Brighton and Bournemouth were jam-packed with day trippers looking to soak up some rays on the beach.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and the forecasters have cautioned that after today, we may have to wait at least a week or so to experience such balmy weather again. The clouds will roll in on Saturday, and although temperatures will still remain high in the east and south-east of England, peaking at 28C to 29C, the rest of the country will see a significant drop in temperature.
As the weekend progresses, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit Wales and south-west England, with a possibility of thunderstorms developing in the East and South East as well. Sunday will be a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively, with cooler temperatures in the low 20Cs, which is the average for July.
So, while we still have the chance, let's make the most of the sunshine and warm weather. However, we must also prepare ourselves for the inevitable change in weather. According to Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan, Saturday will bring a shift in weather patterns, with heavy rain and thunderstorms in the west, and isolated thunderstorms in the South East.
But it's not all doom and gloom, as Morgan reassures us that the week ahead will be mostly dry, with a chance of temperatures rising again towards the end of July. And who knows, we may even see higher temperatures in August or later this month.
Meanwhile, in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the high temperatures have not been felt, people are still eagerly waiting for their turn to enjoy the sunshine. It seems that East and South East England has already had their fair share of summer rain, with almost double the expected amount for the entire month of July.
The AA has also issued some helpful tips for road users in the heat, including using a sun shield over the back windows, keeping iced water in the car, and using a windscreen shade when parked. The Health and Safety Authority has also chimed in, advising employers to conduct risk assessments for potential UV hazards and encouraging employees to take breaks and wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, when working in the sun.
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