Heat builds in Devon as Met Office warns of possible thunderstorms

The Met Office is forecasting a surge in temperatures across the UK this week, with warm, humid air moving in from the south set to trigger thunderstorms, some of which could impact Devon.

In its national outlook issued on Monday, the Met Office said temperatures are expected to rise steadily through the week, with highs of up to 29°C possible in parts of England by Friday.

While the forecast covers the whole of the UK, areas of the South West including Devon are expected to see a mix of warm spells, increasing humidity, and the potential for intense thundery showers from midweek onwards.

According to the Met Office, Tuesday is likely to be a drier day for most of the UK, though southern and western areas, including Devon, could remain on the cloudier side.

The weather is expected to change from Wednesday evening, as thunderstorms begin moving in from the south-west.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south. The intense rainfall could see 20–40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption.”

The Met Office has not issued any weather warnings yet but says these may be introduced later this week depending on how conditions develop.

The heaviest rain is expected between Wednesday evening and Thursday, before a brief period of more settled weather returns on Friday morning.

However, another band of thunderstorms could arrive from the south-west on Friday night, with the potential for more downpours into the early hours of Saturday.

In Devon, temperatures are expected to build through the week, reaching the mid-to-high 20s by Thursday and Friday.

The Met Office notes that the combination of heat and humidity could make conditions feel more uncomfortable than recent warm spells in May, especially at night.

Mr Silverstone added: “As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK... This warm spell will feel different to the fine weather we experienced in May as the humidity will be much higher, making it feel more uncomfortable.”

Looking further ahead, the Met Office expects fresher and more settled conditions to spread from the west by the end of the weekend, bringing drier, slightly above-average temperatures to the South West, while northern parts of the UK may stay more unsettled.

Residents are advised to stay informed via the official Met Office website, where updates and weather warnings will be posted if necessary.