London weather forecast: Rain and thunderstorms pave the way for cooler weekend after days of scorching sunshine

Cooler climes: People walk across the Millennium Bridge during heavy rain showers in London
EPA
Chloe Chaplain27 July 2018

Rain and thunderstorms were set to bring a significant drop in temperatures across the capital as Londoners looked forward to a cooler weekend after weeks of scorching sunshine.

The humid and warm climate was interrupted on Friday evening with heavy showers and dramatic thunderstorms over London following a week of record temperatures.

Forecasters warned that the storms across the country could cause danger to life, sudden flooding and power cuts.

And the Met Office predicted that temperatures were likely to stay lower over the weekend, with chances of rain and highs of 22C.

Showers: A couple walks through the rain in London
EPA

The forecast predicted a humid evening on Friday, with outbreaks of heavy, thundery rain which could continue overnight.

The mercury was set to dip as low as 17C – a stark contrast from previous nights were it was up to the mid-twenties.

Wet weather could disrupt a sizzling heatwave in London and the south
PA Archive/PA Images

On Saturday it looked to be main dry during the day with occasional sunshine and shows through the afternoon with a breeze.

Temperatures will be a more bearable 24C.

Over Sunday and the beginning of next week there will be strong winds across London and the South East of England, with periods of rain and sunshine.

The hot weather led to an amber warning for thunderstorms being issued for east England and North Yorkshire until 9pm on Friday.

UK Heatwave - In pictures

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Yellow warnings are in place for most of England into the early hours of Saturday, and in north-east Scotland until 2pm.

Torrential downpours were forecast, with as much as 30mm of rainfall in one hour and 60mm in three hours, while large hail, frequent lightning and strong, gusty winds will be additional hazards.

Forecasters said that those in the areas covered by the warnings can expect flooding of homes and businesses, which could happen quickly.

Delays or cancellations on transport , difficult driving conditions and power cuts are also possibilities.

Hot: the cooler weather will provide a light relief from the heatwave scorching the country
Jeremy Selwyn

Meanwhile, police forces have been called following concerns for people's welfare at rivers and a lake.

Thames Valley Police said a man's body was recovered from the Jubilee River in Slough, adding that his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Clacton Pier: the boy was last seen in the water off the Essex coast (file image)
AFP/Getty Images

The force was called amid concerns for the welfare of two teenagers and was on the scene just after 6.35pm.

One boy was rescued by a lifeboat crew, checked over by medical teams and reunited with his family, but the second, aged 13, remains unaccounted for.

A mix of toxic air, extreme highs, emissions from the continent and a lack of cloud cover caused a "high" air pollution alert to be issued for London.

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