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UK weather forecast: Heatwave to return following heavy rain and wind

Temperatures expected to reach into the thirties by end of the week

Monday 30 July 2018 18:49 BST
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UK weather: The latest Met Office forecast

The heatwave will return to the UK this week after a brief period of rain, wind and thunderstorms over the weekend.

After a dramatic drop in temperatures and torrential rain in some parts of the UK, temperatures will again reach into the thirties by the end of the week.

A yellow weather warning for rain was in place for western parts of Scotland on Saturday, while a warning for wind and rain covered Wales and the south of England on Sunday.

Torrential downpours and strong winds caused flooding and travel disruption across the UK.

Camp Bestival in Dorset was forced to cancel and adverse weather conditions also resulted in more than 20 flight cancellations, with many of the 4,000 passengers affected only finding out at check-in.

Forecasters have said the wet weather will be short lived and improvements are expected by Tuesday.

By the end of the week temperatures will creep into the thirties in some places, with clear skies expected.

“There will also be some sunshine, with the most prolonged sunny skies across far southern areas,” the Met Office said.

“As we head further into August many areas are expected to be fine and dry with plenty of sunshine, but there will be a chance of one or two showers here and there.”

The Met Office has also forecast above average temperatures for the months of August, September and October.

The heatwave has so far seen temperatures soaring into the thirties across all four UK nations.

High temperatures caused wildfires across Saddleworth Moor and Winter Hill in northwest England. There were also fires in Wales, which had seen some of the highest temperatures anywhere in the UK.

The weather also led to concerns from farmers over the impact of the heat on crops and livestock.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) warned that in many areas grass had stopped growing, crops were ripening too early and that milk yields and animals’ winter food supplies could be hit.

Farmers also warned of lettuce, cauliflower and broccoli shortages if there was not enough water to keep irrigation levels up.

In addition, wildlife charities called on the public to take action to help the UK’s small mammals, birds and insects – all already facing major threats – by helping to provide water sources and maintaining damp habitats.

In light of the improvement in weather, water companies will be continuing with their plans for hosepipe bans and restrictions.

United Utilities has confirmed its hosepipe ban will start on Sunday 5 August in the northwest.

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