Met Office explains when UK 30C heat blast will end - and it's very soon

The Met Office has predicted an early end to the current wave of high temperatures and sunny weather. Forecasters have predicted highs of more than 30C today (Wednesday, June 26) and temperatures are expected to top the hottest day of the year so far - which was yesterday.

While the hottest parts of the country are to be London and the South East, temperatures here in the West Country are still expected to be "very warm" or even "hot", according to meteorologists. The Met Office says the hottest day of the year so far was yesterday in Chertsey, Surrey at 30C but forecasters say today will be even hotter.

The heat blast is set to be shortlived however, with current predications suggesting rain and strong winds in the West from later this evening. Temperatures will drop into the high teens, the Met Office says, with cloudy and overcast skies likely across much of the country.

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Paul Gundersen is a Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office and says: “A cold front will sweep down from the northwest to the southeast over the next 24 hours, bringing with it cooler air and an end of the very warm weather many have been experiencing in recent days.

“A band of patchy rain, which could be heavy in the far northwest at first, will move east across England and Wales, bringing temperatures closer to average. It will still be very warm in the far southeast on Thursday, but the cooler air will arrive by the evening, and then all places will enjoy a much cooler night than of late.”

Thursday may even see some 'severe gales' across parts of the northern highlands and weather forecasters have advised anyone with an outdoor or evening event planned, or people heading to the coasts, to stay up-to-date with forecasts. The Met Office also predicts a risk of rain into the weekend.

Temperatures are predicted to stay in the high-teens into next week, returning to more normal levels. The Devon-based forecaster says: "The weekend will see plenty of warm and dry weather, especially in the south and east. There will be some cloud and patchy rain or showers around, mostly across central and northern parts of the UK where it will be on the cool side. Southern parts will often see dry and bright weather where it will feel warm in the sunshine."

Met Office South West Forecast

Today

Some cool and misty conditions may affect the north coast of Devon and the north and west of Cornwall. Elsewhere it will be another fine and very warm, locally hot, day with a good deal of sunshine. Winds remaining light. Maximum temperature 28 °C.

Tonight

Plenty of sunshine this evening, though some low cloud and mist in the west. Clear spells developing for many overnight, but a band of rain arriving in the west later. Minimum temperature 15 °C.

Thursday

Patchy rain and drizzle clearing eastwards across the region during the morning, to leave a bright and breezy afternoon with a fresher feel, and perhaps the odd shower later on. Maximum temperature 21 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday

Bright and fairly breezy through Friday with the odd shower. Rain and drizzle arriving on Saturday, although winds falling light. Drier and brighter weather returning for Sunday. Feeling cooler throughout.