UK weather: Thunderstorm warning issued – but chance of a heatwave next week, forecasters say
A long-awaited shift in the UK’s weather is on its way, with a chance of a heatwave hitting as soon as next week.
In comparison to last year – the hottest June the UK has ever seen – this year’s summer has got off to a disappointing start, with cold northerly winds coming in from the Arctic keeping temperatures down.
But now things are changing, Sky News weather producer Kirsty McCabe says.
Check the latest forecast where you are
Over the weekend and into next week, warmer and more settled weather has a high chance of developing, she says, with “southerly winds, bringing hot, continental air and a rise in temperatures”.
“There is also around a 20% chance we could see heatwave conditions developing by the middle of next week,” McCabe adds.
People punting in Cambridge on Sunday. Pic: PA
Before that, the Met Office has issued a warning of thunderstorms for much of northern England on Tuesday, despite sunnier weather elsewhere.
A yellow weather warning is in place from 11am to 9pm, covering much of Yorkshire, the East Midlands and parts of northwest and northeast England, with the forecaster warning that lightning could damage a few buildings and structures, with short-term power loss and flooding possible.
Temperatures for the rest of this week will potentially creep up above average, although nights may still remain chilly.
A yellow weather warning has been issued for Tuesday. Pic: Met Office
In the UK, a heatwave is defined as a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, relative to the expected conditions at that given time and place.
The Met Office has a defined temperature threshold for each county in the UK and if the daily maximum meets or exceeds this value for at least three consecutive days it is classed as a heatwave.
These threshold values range from 28C in London and some Home Counties to 25C in northern England, Devon and Cornwall, Scotland, Northern Ireland and most of Wales.
Heatwave threshold by UK county. Pic: Met Office
Chertsey in Surrey was the closest to reaching its 28C threshold back in May after climbing to 27.5C – the highest temperature of 2024 so far.
‘Keep an eye on the forecast’
A heatwave and warmer weather are not the only possibilities, McCabe warns, adding: “Keep an eye on the forecast!”
Read more:
Why is June so cold and when will it warm up?
What’s going on with the weather?
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In contrast, Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist for the Met Office, predicts an initial warm spell won’t last too long, with the weather turning “more changeable” this Friday and into the coming weekend.
“Temperatures this week are likely to peak at around 24 or 25C on Thursday and Friday in the south, though more subdued in the northwest, with the influence of cloud and showers at times more likely,” he said.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
Read more from Sky News:
Ten Reform councillors quit in protest
Liz Truss sends cease and desist letter to Starmer
As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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