WEATHER WATCH

June’s heat may well have relented across much of Scotland and Northern Ireland, but England and Wales have stayed hot, with London seeing maximum temperatures close to 30C for five consecutive days to the 9th.

Dry conditions persisted for most places, although Aultbea in the Highlands picked up 1in (27mm) of rain in the 24hrs to Wednesday morning.

The on-going heat wave gave fantastic conditions for some sporting events – the British Grand Prix at Silverstone was blessed with deep blue skies and hot sunshine. Wimbledon, however, turned cooler early in the second week, although the heat returned again to grace the finals.

This coming week, things will change. A cooler, but very weak, westerly flow will bring occasional showers for all. Some of these will be heavy, but welcome all the same – provided they don’t hang around too long!