The Met Office has issued a crushing update over a potential heatwave in early August.
Long-term forecasts had previously predicted “warmer and drier-than-average” conditions for most of the UK during early August, but hopes of sunshine may now be dashed.
Originally, the Met Office said that warmer weather could be returning from August 2 to August 16, but now it looks more likely that any sunny spells will come nearer the end of the month.
The Met Office says mixed weather conditions are likely to stick around for a few days after August 6, with no dominant weather type forecast.
The good news is that this is more likely to change in the latter half of August, with the long-term forecast saying: “As we head further towards mid-August, it is most likely to become more settled with drier and warmer conditions.”
The caveat for this, though, is that confidence in long-range forecasts decreases over longer time scales, meaning the forecast could still change between now and the end of August.
The news follows thunderstorms up and down the country last night, with a 70-year-old woman having a lucky escape after a lightning strike severely damaged two houses.
Fire crews were called to the address in Mercia Avenue, Andover, Hampshire, on Saturday morning.
The incident came as storms hit the south of England, bringing the recent heatwave to an end.
The woman was assessed by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment, according to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
A spokesman said: "Crews from Whitchurch, Amesbury, Ludgershall, Winchester, Overton, Basingstoke and Rushmoor were called to Andover early this morning following a house struck by lightning.
"One aerial ladder platform and two 45mm jets were used at the incident."
The fire service posted on Twitter : "HIWFRS firefighters are on the scene in Mercia Avenue, Andover. After a house was struck by lightning.
"Please be advised there is a road closure in place at this incident."
