Tropical storm Debby to bring UK’s hottest spell this year

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to influence UK temperatures, potentially pushing them to the mid-30s next week. After causing heavy rain and high winds in Florida, Debby moved into the southeastern US. By Tuesday afternoon, the storm had claimed six lives and caused significant flooding, having weakened from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm.

The storm is projected to continue affecting the eastern and southeastern US in the coming days, potentially bringing up to 600mm (23in) of rain to the Carolinas. However, it is expected to weaken later in the week. Despite this, Debby will influence the UK weather by affecting the jet stream, a vital component in determining UK weather patterns.

The Met Office stated that Debby’s remnants will shape the jet stream, likely causing it to shift southwards. This movement could create a southwesterly flow across the UK, leading to a hot airmass developing over the southeast. This could result in temperatures reaching 30C, with a 30% chance of hitting the mid-30s early next week, making it the hottest spell this year.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Nick Silkstone noted that Debby’s presence in North America would alter the jet stream’s direction, influencing UK weather. This shift could bring very hot air to the UK, particularly in the southeast. However, not all regions will enjoy the warm weather, as some areas might experience heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms.

The northern parts of the UK could see periods of heavy rain moving northeast, with the potential for severe thunderstorms within the hot airmass. As the jet stream continues eastward, the UK might face cooler and more changeable conditions later in the week, with some areas experiencing unseasonably windy weather.