Thunderstorms threaten abrupt end to heatwave

Parts of Britain are set for another scorcher today, but forecasters warned thunderstorms could bring the short-lived heatwave to an abrupt end. Temperatures will hit 31C (88F) in some parts of the country, beating the highs of 28C (82F) that made yesterday the hottest day of the year so far. But by this evening the hot weather could be broken by thunder and showers. Andy Murray, first on Wimbledon's Centre Court today for a last-16 showdown with Frenchman Richard Gasquet, will be glad to play his match before the weather turns. Andy Ratcliffe, a forecaster at MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "Much of England will be hot and humid again. We're looking at highs reaching about 31C (88F) in the London area. "But there is the chance of scattered thundery showers developing, and there could be local downpours where they occur." Although some parts of Britain will enjoy soaring temperatures, some areas will be cooler than they were yesterday, he said. "Further north-east across the UK it will be fresher, with bursts of rain. The rain will move from southern and eastern Scotland into northern England and into Wales by the end of the day. "The remaining parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will be mainly dry but fresher than yesterday." The weather will start to turn cooler tomorrow, with London enjoying the highest temperatures, of around 24C (75F). Mr Ratcliffe said: "Tomorrow we will see the remaining hot and humid conditions clearing to leave all areas fresher for the rest of the week, with scattered showers." Earlier, Paul Mott of MeteoGroup, said there would be "heavy showers and localised thunder storms spreading east across England" this evening and tomorrow. He added: "By Wednesday the heatwave will definitely be over. If anything it will be a bit colder than average, 20C (68F) in London and down to 15C (59F) elsewhere." London parks were packed with scantily-clad sun worshippers yesterday, taking advantage of the blue skies. Temperatures in St James's Park reached 28.4C (83.1F). But those heading to the coast may have been disappointed to find temperatures as low as 15C. In Brighton, beach goers made do with temperatures of 19C (66F), although the mercury will rise to 24C (75F) today. Despite the occasional threat of showers, Wimbledon is likely to see some prolonged sunny spells throughout the week. On Saturday the Met Office issued a heat-health alert for the East Midlands, east of England and the South East, warning of dangers of high temperatures, particularly for the very old, the very young and those with chronic conditions. Frm independent.co.uk