Hotter than usual weather is expected to make its way to the UK, followed by extreme rain storms
Forecasters are predicting the UK could see the hottest August temperatures in 20 years as the next wave of the jet stream roars across Britain, expect thermometers to rocket over the next fortnight.
James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, believes that a “significant change” could happen as early as next week.
He said: “We are now likely to see the significant pattern change to much warmer and more settled conditions for many taking place.”
Madden also stated that it is possible that August temperatures could be above average, and at times could approach the mid to high 30s, most likely within the second half of the month in parts of the south.
“Even the worst hit areas throughout the pool summer to date in the north and west can also look forward to some decent summer conditions and exceptionally warm conditions at times through the remainder of the month,” Madden continued.
With above-average temperatures likely to last into autumn, Madden said that the heat will also cause spectacular thunderstorms.
Despite the record-breaking start, the scorching forecast comes as Britain arises from an unusually cool and dreary July.
Recorded at London’s Heathrow Airport, July started off with the highest temperature ever of 36.7C (98F). However, some parts of the country saw the month end on a record cold note with lows of just 2C.
Warnings have been issued that jet stream anomalies along with a powerful El Nino Pacific Ocean warnings could lead to stormy weather up until winter.
Powerful typhoons currently sweeping across Asia could head northwards triggering a knock-on effect to the UK, climate experts and meteorologists warn.
Madden added: “Vigorous thunderstorms will be a threat as warmer conditions become the more prominent feature.
“With this comes the risk of some potentially extreme flash-flooding events due to excessive rainfall amounts that will fall in small periods.”
It’s true to say 2015’s summer has been a unique one, featuring a mix of extreme heat, storms, gales and torrential rain and cold snaps. Playing a major role in the British weather over the past two and a half months, the jet stream has diverged wildly which has essentially driven the changes.
This Saturday is said to be the hottest day of the year so far with the mercury in France, Germany, Spain and Italy expected to touch 40C.
As warmer UK forecasts start to rise, bookies have been forced to cut the odds on summer ending on a record hot note.
Spokesperson for Coral, John Hill, said: “Before the month got underway, August was well backed to be the hottest on record as punters were banking on a heatwave.”
Not all forecasters agree on the timing of the next heatwave, however, with some predicting that Britons may have to wait until September for the heat.
Weather Action forecaster, Piers Corbyn, said: “The jet stream is wildly deviating and this pattern will continue over the next month.
“There are signs that we could see another hot spell at the end of August into September, but in the interim it is staying very up and down.
“Everybody though can look forward to a good bank holiday.”