UK weather shifts from heatwave to rain

Britain is set for a dramatic shift in weather as rain and potential thunderstorms follow a prolonged period of extreme heat, ending the country's fifth heatwave of the summer. The Met Office has forecast a much more changeable week, with a jet stream moving south to bring low pressure and cooler temperatures. This comes as water companies impose restrictions and fire services continue to manage the aftermath of recent wildfires.

The recent spell of hot weather peaked on Thursday, August 13, when a temperature of 38.1C was recorded at Kew Gardens in London, making it the hottest day of the year so far. Now, a significant change is underway. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan stated that a jet stream which has been far to the north of the UK will travel south, allowing high pressure to give way to low pressure. This shift is expected to dominate the weather through the middle of the week.

"Low pressure will dominate and slowly drift its way southwards," Mr. Morgan explained, adding that as winds switch to a northerly direction, it will turn considerably fresher. While he cautioned he could not promise rain for everyone, the south is forecast to see the most changeable week since...