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Thursday starts dry across the UK. Through the day most areas have sunny periods but there will skies will cloud over at times, especially in the north. This afternoon thundery showers break out in the south with most of them remaining to the south and east of London. Scattered showers are also possible in the north. 

Maximum temperatures this afternoon range from 20C (68F) in northern Scotland to a hot 31C (88F) in the south. Near the  the east coast it remains cooler. See the rain and lightning radar for the latest view.

Meteo France Arpege, forecast rain, 16:00 BST Thu 5th July

Forecast short cuts

The month ahead - July 

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Wimbledon tennis Hourly - 16 day

Tonight showers fade away to leave dry conditions. It will be muggy in the south but fresher in the north.  

Tomorrow long sunny periods are expected. A few showers may bubble up but they should be lighter than today's and very scattered. It will be hot and in the south temperatures could reach a scorching 32C (90F).

Meteo France Arpege, forecast temperatures, 16:00 BST Fri 6th July

Rest of the week

The heatwave continues this weekend as high pressure builds over the UK. Isolated thundery may remain a risk but for most of the UK the fine weather continues. Locally in southern and central regions temperatures could reach or exceed 30C (86F) on both days. Most of the north remains very warm but the far north west will be cooler.  

ECM, pressure and 500hPA heights, Sun 8th July

Very warm and sunny next week

Computer models suggest that high pressure will remain close to the UK next week. That brings the expectation of more fine and very warm weather. The possibility of thundery showers continues and there are signs of it becoming more changeable in the north west at times.   

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Meteo France Arpege forecast charts

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16 day GEFS ensembles at a glance

Dry and very warm or hot weather is shown for much of the period. Beyond mid July the risk of showery rain increases. View latest GEFS.