UK Faces Week of Contrasting Weather: Heat in South, Thunderstorms in North

The Met Office has warned that the UK will experience sharply divided weather patterns over the coming week, with a distinct north-south divide creating contrasting conditions across the country. Southern and eastern England, particularly the Southeast, will see much warmer air spreading from western Europe, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C and conditions increasingly humid. However, this heat is expected to be punctuated by sudden convective activity and thunderstorms. Meanwhile, North England, Greater Manchester, and the broader Northwest will experience fresher, more unsettled conditions, with heavy rains, persistent cloud cover, and strong winds driven by a stubborn low-pressure system anchored to the northwest.

The contrasting weather is caused by a significant atmospheric divide between high pressure building over mainland Europe, which is dragging hot and humid air across the south and east, and persistent low pressure remaining anchored to the northwest of the UK. According to Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree, this week's "contrasting weather of heat, rain, and potential thunderstorms" is the direct result of a southerly airflow stalling over the UK. The transition between these two systems is expected to be sudden and potentially disruptive, with intense thunderstorms and significant rainfall likely as the warm southern air encounters the cooler northern conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have already issued a Yellow Heat-Health Alert for the East Midlands, East of England, London, and the Southeast, effective from Wednesday, June 17, until Monday, June 22. Officials are advising the public to remain vigilant, as the combination of high humidity and the sudden onset of thunderstorms can create hazardous outdoor conditions. Southeastern areas are expected to experience a gradual temperature increase as the week progresses, with parts of England and Wales becoming increasingly warm.

For the Northwest, including Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, residents can expect a fresher and more unsettled week. The region is unlikely to experience the extreme heat felt in the south, as the lingering low-pressure system continues to drive cloud cover, blustery winds, and persistent outbreaks of rain. Even if temperatures remain closer to average, the threat of heavy, persistent rain remains a significant concern through the weekend. Looking ahead, experts suggest that while the weekend will bring some continued warmth for the south, the long-term outlook remains broadly unsettled, with another area of low pressure expected to approach from the Atlantic as the week closes, bringing additional wet and windy weather across western regions.