The Met Office have issued a warning for scorching heat causing travel chaos as well as thunderstorms expected which could break the UK’s current heatwave. Temperatures could exceed the highest recorded in the UK which is currently 38.5C which was recorded in Kent in 2003.
A concern has been raised for many drivers, as these temperatures can cause roads to melt causing more grip for tires. Drivers should be cautious during this period and stay hydrated and as cool as possible in their vehicle. As well as taking breaks on a more regular basis to avoid restlessness on the roads.
While temperatures during the week have soared, the weather is estimated to be 10 degrees cooler over the course of the weekend.
The Met Office Weather forecaster, Alex Deakin spoke about the heatwave: “Generally a dry start. Some sunshine around and look at the temperatures to start the day. Over 20 degrees across parts of East Anglia and the southeast, and those temperatures will only climb with the help of plenty of sunshine through the day.”
Rainfall and thunder is predicted for areas of the UK later this afternoon, weather broadcasters say the weeks of heat will cause severe pressure creating intense weather for this afternoon.
Mr Deakin continued: “Eventually, that will spark further thunderstorms across parts of eastern England.But across the east, one more day of exceptional heat, widely from Lincolnshire, across East Anglia, to the southeast, over 30 celsius. For some places, easily up to 35, 36, and 37 is possible.”
The downpour could mean potential risk of flooding in some areas, which is bad timing for those trying to plan getaways for their families during the summer. Mr Deakin made a point that: “We need some rain in these areas, but they’re going to drop a lot of rain, in a short space of time, that will cause run off and may cause some local flooding.
“Large hailstones also problematic and lots of lightning flashes. We will see some difficult conditions on the road.
“Lots of people heading out and away for the weekend, roads like the M11, the A1, the M1, the M18 - a lot of surface water and spray on those roads, so allow some extra time for your journey.”
Following the broadcaster’s suggestions, be wary of roads like the M11, A1, M1 and the M18 towards later on this afternoon if you have deliveries scheduled.
“They’ll be hit and miss, but they will be intense, all that energy from the heat triggering big downpours, large hail, and gusty winds. Further west, there will be a few showers but they shouldn’t be as intense. One or two, nonetheless, across parts of Wales and western England.
The weather forecaster explained: “For many, there will be plenty of sunshine around, and for most it will just be a very warm summer’s day, with temperatures in the low to mid 20s.
“But across the east, one more day of exceptional heat, widely from Lincolnshire, across East Anglia, to the southeast, over 30 celsius. “For some places, easily up to 35, 36, and 37 is possible.”
The sudden rain poses the risk of some flooding and delays on major roads as families try to make their getaways for the summer holidays.
“Still quite warm, but for some, especially across the east, temperatures could easily be ten or more degrees lower on Saturday compared to Friday.”
If you’re travelling on the roads during this hot weather without air conditioning, be sure to check our
top tips to stay cool!