04/07/2006

Heatwave to lead to thunderstorms, forecasters predict

The sweltering temperatures in Britain are set to give way to thunderstorms in some parts of the country, forecasters have predicted.

Temperatures in London and the south east of England were predicted to reach as high as 32C.

However, the high temperatures are expected to spark off thunderstorms and torrential downpours in southern England, which will then move across the country.

The Met Office has warned that mini-tornadoes and flash flooding are possible in some areas of southern England.

However, warm temperatures are still expected across the country on Thursday and Friday, with temperatures expected to remain in the mid twenties, although showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread.

On Monday, the Met Office raised its Heat-Health alert to Level 3, the first time this level has been reached since the service was started in 2004.

It was so hot on Monday that barristers and judges in the Royal Courts of Justice in London were given permission to remove their wigs.

Wimbledon officials were also considering giving tennis players more time between sets to recover because of the heat.

(KMcA)

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