UK Heatwave Ends as Cooler Weather and Rain Return

The UK is expected to see cooler and fresher weather on Sunday as a record-breaking heatwave comes to an end, bringing lower temperatures and scattered rainfall across much of the country.

According to the Met Office, Saturday marked the final day of the prolonged spell of hot weather that pushed temperatures close to 30C in parts of south-east England. Conditions on Sunday are forecast to return to more typical levels for late May, with showers developing in many areas.

Temperatures are expected to reach around 24C in London, while Birmingham and Belfast could see highs of 19C, and Aberdeen is forecast to reach 17C.

Rain is likely to be heaviest and most frequent in northern and western regions, while eastern and southeastern areas are expected to remain largely dry with clearer skies.

The heatwave shattered records earlier in the week, with temperatures reaching 35.1C at Kew Gardens in west London and 32.9C at Bute Park in Cardiff on Tuesday, making it the hottest May day ever recorded in both England and Wales.

The extreme conditions have been linked to at least 15 deaths involving people who got into difficulty in open water. Among the latest incidents, a 19-year-old man died after entering Balderton Lake near Heron Way in New Balderton. Nottinghamshire Police said emergency services responded on Thursday, and the man was taken to hospital after being recovered from the water, but he later died. Officers said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, utility company South East Water reported progress in restoring supplies to customers affected by water shortages during the hot spell. The company said water services had been reinstated for around 15,500 customers across parts of Kent, including Whitstable and Herne Bay.

However, around 500 customers remained without water on Saturday evening, while a further 3,600 households continued to experience low pressure or intermittent supply. The disruptions have affected areas including Coxheath, Loose, Headcorn, Ulcombe, Benenden and Wraik Hill.

South East Water said demand remained unusually high due to the hot weather and urged customers to use water only for essential needs such as drinking, cooking and hygiene while the network recovers. Tankers continue to support the system, and repairs are underway to fix a burst water main affecting parts of Canterbury.

The company added that it has distributed more than one million litres of bottled water across Kent and is working to establish additional collection points for affected residents.

Officials have apologised for the disruption and said efforts to fully restore normal service are continuing.