The UK could see hot spells and increasing temperatures in the coming days, just days after the country was battered by Storm Floris, according to the Met Office. The forecaster expects temperatures to rise above average from 19 August towards the start of September, as drier and more settled weather takes hold.
What Happened
Storm Floris, the sixth named storm of the season, caused widespread disruption on Monday, with tens of thousands of people affected as trains, flights, and ferries were disrupted. The storm left tens of thousands of households without electricity, particularly in the north and north-east of Scotland.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) worked to restore power to around 22,000 properties on Tuesday morning. The storm has been described as “the most damaging summer storm in recent memory” by SSEN, which has restored power to 50,000 properties since the onset of the storm. Gusts of over 100mph were recorded on Monday, with the summit of Cairngorm in the Scottish Highlands reaching 134mph.
Weather Forecast
As the storm subsides, the Met Office expects above-average temperatures to develop, particularly in the East and South of the UK. While dry weather is likely to dominate, periods of rain, showers, and thunderstorms may occur, particularly later in the month.
The shift from chaotic storm conditions to hotter, drier weather comes as a relief to many, although the potential for severe weather later in the period means residents should remain vigilant.
Ongoing Disruptions
Despite the change in weather, the aftermath of Storm Floris continues to affect parts of the country:
- Power Outages: Engineers are still working to restore power to affected properties in the north and north-east of Scotland.
- Rail Disruptions: The storm caused 119 incidents on the rail network, including 75 tree-related issues. Network Rail has reopened 30 out of 34 routes in Scotland, but passengers are advised to check journey information before traveling.
- Ferry Cancellations: Half of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry routes in western Scotland remain affected, with sailings between Oban, Colonsay, and Islay canceled for the day.
Closing Line
As the UK transitions from the chaos caused by Storm Floris to a period of hotter weather, residents are advised to stay informed about ongoing disruptions while also preparing for the possibility of more storms later in the month.
