“Spanish Plume” brings high temperatures and heavy rain to Midlands

IT WAS a foreboding sight – storm clouds gathering over the North Sea at Spurn Point yesterday as Britain braced itself for the arrival of the “Spanish Plume”.

Hot and humid air will be pushed toward northern Europe, creating a weather phenomenon more common in the south of Europe at this time of year.

Areas likely to have the hottest weather include London, where temperatures may reach around 30C on Saturday, Norwich and Cambridge (28C), Bath, Birmingham and Lincoln (25 or 26C).

So considering scientists are saying that 2015 has seen the hottest January-July period on record on the planet, you might want to reconsider putting your washing out.

Heavy rain is likely to become widespread, however Northern Ireland is expected to escape the worst of its effects.

Met office forecaster Emma Sharples added: “There is warm and humid air coming from the continent and this may cause local and isolated thunderstorms”. However, it looks like a slow-moving frontal system will affect the rest of the West with heavy rain developing through the course of today.

And severe thunderstorms might affect some areas, the MeteoGroup forecaster said.

Piers Corbyn, of WeatherAction, said: “Our models are showing that it is going to be extremely unsettled over the next few days with the risk of strong winds, flooding and even tornado activity in places”.

Mr Stevens, of Salendine Nook, said: “The Spanish plume may just pass to the west of us but we are likely to be in the hazy area alongside it”.

The rain and areas of thunderstorms then look like they will spread into Scotland overnight and into Sunday, with further rain or showers still possible further south. This drives hot and humid air from Iberia north and northeast into northern Europe, including the British Isles. Combined with heating from the summer sunshine, this can encourage thunderstorms to develop.

Strong winds from the jet stream help to organise the thunderstorms and can increase their severity.