Will Storm Oscar affect UK weather? Latest Met Office forecast and when the mini-heatwave is set to end
Parts of Spain and Portugal have been hit by heavy rain and strong winds brought by Storm Oscar, and it is set to have a knock-on effect on the UK’s weather.
The Foreign Office has warned of stormy conditions in the Canary Islands, telling holidaymakers: “You should check with your tour operator or accommodation provider before you travel and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Tenerife, Palma, Gran Canaria and Valverde have been subject to heavy rainfall and wind speeds of over 50mph.
Weather warnings have been issued by the Spanish weather agency AEMET and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IMPA).
The bad weather has forced dozens of flights to be cancelled and diverted to and from the Portuguese island of Madeira, with IMPA issuing red warnings for “strong and persistent” rain in the southern and coastal parts of the island.
How will Storm Oscar affect the UK?
The Met Office said Storm Oscar will not directly impact the UK, but will help to drive a warm plume of air into southern areas.
Parts of the UK could approach 30ºC by the end of the week.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Harris, said: “Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south. Temperatures over the weekend could peak around 30°C in some parts of England and remain well above average during night times.
“Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption in the far South West from as early as late Friday, but more likely more widely into the weekend, though it is not possible to be definitive about exact details this far from the potential event.”
East and north-east Scotland are likely to be the main exception to the change in conditions, with an easterly breeze possibly keeping temperatures more subdued, and cloud likely to persist for some, the Met Office said.
Some coastal areas will be cooler than the peak figures further inland, with sea breezes preventing the highest temperatures building on immediate coastlines.
What is the latest UK weather forecast?
Here is the current forecast from the Met Office for the rest of the week:
Wednesday
Low cloud will slowly retreat eastwards through the morning but persisting for northern and eastern areas where it will be chilly. Feeling warm in the sunshine further west.
Wednesday night
Once again tonight, low cloud will expand into central areas. It will remain clear in parts of western and southern England. Becoming windy, especially around southern and western coasts.
Thursday
Remaining settled on Thursday with overnight low cloud gradually burning back to north-eastern coasts to leave a warm and sunny day for many. Increasingly windy for southern and south-western areas.
Friday to Sunday
Temperatures will rise to end the week and into the weekend though with strengthening winds. A risk of showers, some thundery, particularly in the south on Saturday and Sunday.
