What to expect after UK-wide heatwave - with heavy rain and cooler temperatures forecast for many

Much of the country will see heavy rain on Sunday night and Monday after a UK-wide heatwave peaked, according to forecasters.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland recorded their hottest day of the year so far on Saturday.

But the Met Office is now forecasting a dip in temperatures, which will be a welcome change for those who have struggled in the heat. Highs of 33C were felt on the first day of the weekend.

Forecasters also think heavy showers will develop across many parts of the UK by Monday.

Check the latest weather forecast where you are

Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk said: "While we've seen the peak of the heat in this heatwave through [Saturday] it's still going to be very warm on Sunday before turning cooler for many of us on Monday.

"So we've got this ridge of high pressure extending across the UK, helping to keep things settled, but out towards the West, an area of low pressure moving through Sunday night and into Monday.

"So if you're not a fan of the heat, temperatures will be falling away but also bringing some heavy spells of rain, or welcome rainfall, for many of us."

Hot temperatures continued on Sunday, with highs of 31C.

An amber heat health alert remains in place for the Midlands and southern and eastern England until 9am on Monday.

The UK Health Security Agency also has yellow alerts in place until Monday for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber.

While the alerts are similar, an amber warning refers to a potential rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and a yellow warning refers to the same demographic having an increased risk to their health.

Organisers of Wimbledon also warned spectators to take care in the heat, as the men's singles final takes place on Sunday afternoon.

The All England Club said it significantly increased the number of on-screen communications and push notifications to remind guests to stay hydrated and seek respite from the sun.

The club also said service stewards on court have access to water for spectators in need, that on-site medical teams are ready to assist when required, and that the grounds have more than 100 free water refill points as well as a pharmacy where guests can buy sunscreen.

Fire and water safety warnings on Saturday

Fire chiefs also warned people to stay safe this weekend, while cautioning of the increased risks of wildfires and drowning during the heatwave.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) asked people not to enter water to try to cool down and urged parents and carers to ensure children are supervised around water at all times.

The risk of wildfires in London is rated "severe" by the Natural Hazards Partnership.

Firefighters in Surrey tackled a wildfire on Hankley Common in Thursley on Saturday, which spanned approximately eight hectares, with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service urging nearby residents to close their windows and doors and urging the public to avoid the area.

Scottish fire crews also spent a second day tackling a wildfire in Perth near the M90 in the Craigend area, with an "extreme" wildfire warning in place for much of the nation.

HM Coastguard also issued safety advice for people heading to the UK coast, saying data from the water incident database shows over the last three years most drownings occurred in July.

Read more:
What July's weather has in store
What you need to know about the hosepipe bans

Hosepipe bans still likely

The first hosepipe ban of this year came into force on Friday, as Yorkshire Water put restrictions in place across the region in an effort to protect water supplies.

Residents supplied by the company have been told to avoid using a hosepipe for watering the garden, cleaning cars and filling paddling pools, as part of efforts to protect supplies in the face of yet more dry weather forecast for the coming weeks.

There are also impending restrictions on customers in Kent and Sussex after South East Water said demand for drinking water had reached "record levels since May".

It announced a hosepipe ban will come into force for its customers from 18 July.

Those who ignore the bans could face fines of up to £1,000.

(c) Sky News 2025: What to expect after UK-wide heatwave - with heavy rain and cooler temperatures forecast for m