Storm Set to Bring 80mph Winds and Downpours Across the UK as Jet Stream Sparks Temperature Drop

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The United Kingdom is facing a turbulent start to August, with meteorologists warning of strong winds reaching up to 80mph, heavy rain, and a sharp drop in temperatures. A powerful storm system driven by an active jet stream is expected to impact much of the country early next week, following unsettled conditions this weekend.

According to the Met Office, the storm is developing over the Atlantic and could intensify rapidly as it approaches the UK. Meteorologist Alex Burkill explained that the behaviour of the jet stream will determine the severity of the weather. If the system moves north of the jet stream, it may undergo “rapid cyclogenesis,” forming an unusually deep area of low pressure for this time of year.

Burkill stated: “The rain could be quite heavy, but it is the wind that we perhaps have to watch out for, with 50 or 60mph gusts and 70mph or 80mph not out of the question.” He described the upcoming period as a “roller coaster ride” in terms of weather.

Before the storm arrives, the country is expected to see a mix of cooler temperatures and sporadic showers. Saturday is forecast to be the better day of the weekend, with worsening conditions setting in by Sunday. A trough moving into eastern parts of the country on Friday, combined with a strong segment of the jet stream—referred to as a “jet streak”—is expected to generate more vigorous showers.

Burkill added that a low-pressure system near Iceland will push southeast across the UK on Sunday, bringing periods of heavy and possibly thundery rain. Temperatures are likely to dip further on Sunday compared to the rest of the weekend, contributing to a notably cooler spell for early August.

Despite the unsettled start, there are signs of improvement later in the month. High pressure from the south may begin to re-establish itself, leading to a return of warmer, drier conditions. Temperatures could climb back into the high 20s or even 30°C, particularly if the Azores High extends its influence northwards.

Jim Dale, meteorologist at British Weather Services and co-author of Surviving Extreme Weather, noted: “We are probably not done with the heatwaves yet, and if we see high pressure return, we could easily get back to 30°C.”

The evolving weather pattern reflects the volatile nature of the British summer, where cooler Atlantic systems and tropical airflows often clash, leading to sharp weather contrasts. The Met Office will continue to monitor developments closely as the storm approaches.