Thunderstorms to follow South West heatwave

The South West is in for a hot and stormy end to the week, with temperatures set to rise to the high 20s – and thunderstorms likely to follow.

The Met Office says warm air moving in from the continent will push temperatures up across Devon and Cornwall, possibly reaching 27°C by Thursday and 29°C on Friday in some areas.

But while the sunshine may be welcome, the heat and humidity could trigger heavy thunderstorms, with lightning and localised downpours expected from Wednesday night into Thursday.

In some places, as much as 40mm of rain could fall in just a few hours, leading to potential travel disruption. There are currently no weather warnings in place, but the Met Office says this could change as the week goes on.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said, “This warm spell is different to the fine weather we saw in May – it will feel much more humid, especially overnight, which can make it uncomfortable for sleeping.”

The start of the week is looking dry and bright for most, with Tuesday and Wednesday seeing plenty of sunshine across Exeter and the wider region. But from Wednesday evening, the weather is likely to become more unsettled.

By the end of the weekend, fresher, cooler air is expected to replace the humid conditions, bringing a more settled outlook for the South West, while the north of the UK stays more changeable.

To stay up to date, check the Met Office app or website for local forecasts and any updated warnings.