This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49094575

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
UK weather: Temperatures to rise after thunder storms UK weather: Temperatures to rise after thunderstorms
(32 minutes later)
Thunder storms swept across much of the UK on Tuesday night, ahead of possible record-breaking heat this week. Thunderstorms swept across much of the UK on Tuesday night, ahead of possible record-breaking heat this week.
Houses in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, and Wrexham caught fire after being hit by lightning, while a taxi driver had to be rescued from flood water in Newbridge, Caerphilly county. Weather forecasters are predicting that temperatures in London could reach 38C (100F) on Thursday.
Elsewhere, police are searching the River Thames in London following reports of people going into the water. That would pass the current record for a day in July - 36.7C (98.1F) - which was recorded at Heathrow Airport in 2015.
BBC Weather said there were about 48,000 lightning strikes overnight. BBC Weather said there were about 48,000 lightning strikes overnight from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.
Houses in Cheshire, Warwickshire and Wrexham caught fire after being hit by lightning, while a taxi driver had to be rescued from flood water in Newbridge, Caerphilly county.
At least 20-30mm of rain fell in parts of Wales, the Midlands and the north of England.At least 20-30mm of rain fell in parts of Wales, the Midlands and the north of England.
Forecasters say temperatures in some parts could reach 36C (97F) later. Forecasters say temperatures in some parts could reach 36C (97F) later on Wednesday.
Met Office meteorologist Emma Smith said temperatures in some places had climbed back up to 23C or 24C by 05:00 BST.
"It's normally 13 or 14 degrees at this time of year, so that's 10 degrees above average," she added.
Police divers were called out on Tuesday evening to three different stretches of the Thames in Greater London, following reports of people getting into difficulty in the water.
The Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday that river searches were continuing at Shadwell, Waterloo, and Kingston.
On Thursday, temperatures in eastern England could surpass the current July record of 36.7C set at Heathrow in 2015, and possibly the all-time record of 38.5C set in Faversham, Kent, in August 2003.On Thursday, temperatures in eastern England could surpass the current July record of 36.7C set at Heathrow in 2015, and possibly the all-time record of 38.5C set in Faversham, Kent, in August 2003.
Northern Ireland and western Scotland are expected to be the coolest areas - with temperatures in the low 20s. Northern Ireland and western Scotland are expected to be the coolest areas with temperatures in the low 20s.
Elsewhere, police divers were called out on Tuesday evening to three different stretches of the Thames in Greater London, following reports of people getting into difficulty in the water.
The Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday that river searches were continuing at Shadwell, Waterloo, and Kingston.
Lightning strikes have caused delays on rail services in Scotland, where damage to signalling equipment has led to delays and cancellations in the Highlands and on cross-border trains.
Rail operator Southeastern has said it will run a "significantly reduced service" on Thursday due to speed restrictions announced by Network Rail as a result of the forecast high temperatures.Rail operator Southeastern has said it will run a "significantly reduced service" on Thursday due to speed restrictions announced by Network Rail as a result of the forecast high temperatures.
Precautions are put in place as rails can buckle in the heat.Precautions are put in place as rails can buckle in the heat.
Southeastern operates trains in south-east London and Kent and also serves parts of East Sussex.Southeastern operates trains in south-east London and Kent and also serves parts of East Sussex.
Meanwhile, Western Europe is braced for temperatures of more than 40C.Meanwhile, Western Europe is braced for temperatures of more than 40C.
The French city of Bordeaux hit its highest temperature since records began on Tuesday - with Meteo France registering 41.2C (106.1F).The French city of Bordeaux hit its highest temperature since records began on Tuesday - with Meteo France registering 41.2C (106.1F).
Forecasters have also predicted a record-breaking temperatures in other countries including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Forecasters have also predicted record-breaking temperatures in other countries including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.
A World Meteorological Organization spokeswoman said the heatwaves bore "the hallmark of climate change".A World Meteorological Organization spokeswoman said the heatwaves bore "the hallmark of climate change".