UK weather: Temperatures soar to 21C after days of floods, thunderstorms and downpours

Warm and dry conditions likely to continue for most areas on Sunday, Met Office says

Parts of the UK could get up to 21C on Saturday, one of the hottest days of the year (PA)

Britons are set to bask in 21C highs on Saturday in one of the hottest days of the year so far.

It follows a week dominated by thunderstorms, heavy rain and spells of hail, with flash flooding resulting in a major incident being declared in Somerset.

And though the forecast promises a cloudy start to Saturday for many, things are expected to brighten up throughout the morning, especially across the western flank of the UK.

Weather map showing the forecast for Saturday’s peak temperatures (Met Office)

The highest temperatures, meanwhile, will likely be in the southeast, with the Met Office pointing to highs of 21C in Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. The hottest day so far this year was 21.2C in April.

The warm and dry conditions are likely to persist for most areas on Sunday, though there could be some downpours in western parts as well as Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “It’s been an energetic week of weather with heavy showers and in some places a thunderstorm.

“But it all calms down a little at least for a day or two heading in this weekend as an area of high pressure starts to topple in from the North West and by Saturday morning virtually everyone is fine and settled.”

Mr McGivern said plenty of low cloud was expected across the UK first thing tomorrow, which would be thickest along the North Sea coast, which could also see some patchy drizzle.

Weather map showing the forecast for Sunday’s peak temperatures (Met Office)

As a result, temperatures could be “held back” in cities such as Norwich and Hull to only 14C – while southern England looks destined for highs of 21C.

On Sunday, Scotland and Northern Ireland will wake to rain, which will then push into western England through the morning.

But a slow-moving weather front will bring some wet weather at the start of next week into southern and eastern areas and hold back temperatures again.

The Met Office expects highs of 21C in Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon (PA)

Scattered clouds and showers for all, turning thundery in the North East, is likely on Monday

However, after that for much of next week more settled weather is expected, while also turning slightly cooler.

Met Office five-day outlook

Friday night

Outbreaks of mainly light rain and drizzle clearing from the far southwest but remaining cloudy across the south and east. Clear spells elsewhere with a few fog patches, particularly Northern Ireland.

Saturday:

Low cloud becoming confined to North Sea coasts. Plenty of sunshine for most parts and feeling warm in light winds.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Largely dry away from a rain band which moving steadily across the UK whilst decaying, although a chance of widespread showers on Monday. Temperatures around to a little below average.