UK weather – Brits to bask in highs of 22C before summer heat disappears AGAIN with showers and wind on the way

said there will be patchy spells of rain in southern and central counties.

But to the north it will be dry again.

"Cloud amounts vary, but there should be a reasonable amount of sunny spells. Rather cool in the east, but warmer in the west," it added.

Hay fever sufferers will also need to be on alert as pollen levels are expected to be high.

The mercury is forecast to climb to 21C on Thursday, when there will be a 20 per cent chance of showers.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the pollen levels will be very high.

Spectators will also need to remember to pack their sunscreen as UV levels will be high.

Elsewhere in the UK, the Met Office said there will be an east/west split, with the east seeing cloudier and cooler conditions and the west enjoying higher temperatures this week.

West Wales could see temperatures of 24C by mid-week, while parts of Northern Ireland could reach 23C.

However, any dry weather at Wimbledon is likely to be short-lived.

Forecasters are predicting showers on Friday, with the rain getting worse by Saturday.

The Environment Agency shows just three flood alerts in place, covering Eastern Yar, River Kennet and its tributaries from Berwick Bassett down to Newbury and rivers on the Isle of Sheppey.

The Met Office had on Monday and Tuesday issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, a band of torrential rain, and further flooding to swamp southern England.

Flash floods left a trail of destruction in Somerset on Monday night, damaging homes, blocking roads, and leaving several cars stranded.

After torrential thundery downpours stung Chard in Somerset, emergency shelters were set up to help the worst hit residents, as some were pictured shovelling floodwater from their doorways.

The town's Mayor, Jason Baker, posted on Facebook: "Anyone needing shelter or a warm drink please head to the Guildhall, we will coordinate help and support as we can."

Emergency services confirmed multiple roads had been closed due to the chaotic downpour, as teams worked through the night to clear debris.

Local Lilias Ahmeira said her home near Chard has been severely damaged by the water that was "pouring through".

"We had water coming in the back and the front - there was a four or five foot raging river going past.

"My house is on a lane with a hedge so the water built up - then with the tarmac turning over from the road it created a bow wave.

"We had sandbags and water was still pouring through. It went above the windows, it was all happening so fast.

"We are stranded, I don't know how long it's going to take highways to get here. We're alive, we're fine, worse things happen at sea."

As the UK continues to be hit with barmy weather, one stunned homeowner, Katy Slater, even managed to record an lightning bolt appear to set a field on fire.

The stunning image showed the electric storm pass through Stourpaine, Dorset, and emit an orange glow as it struck the field - that thankfully quickly died down.

The mercury will rise again on Wednesday and Thursday, with much longed-for sunshine making a welcome return.

The best of the weather is set to stick in the north thanks to high pressure keeping it mostly dry and settled.

Things are set to brighten up towards the weekend in the south with sunny spells as temperatures begin to climb back up as pockets of rain disperse.

Senior Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said: "For the rest of the week it looks as though high pressure will stick around."

This will "influence the weather over much of northern and central Britain and Ireland, but southern England, and particularly the South East, will remain at risk of further showers.

"With a broadly easterly flow, North Sea coasts will often be cooler and sometimes cloudier, with the best of the sunshine and the warmth in the sheltered west," he added.

July heatwave

July will be ushered in with high pressure from western and northern Europe.

Blue skies will be dragged in by a slow-moving jet stream that makes its way across the country.

And according to the BBC's long-range forecast, a heatwave could hit most of the country next month.

The broadcaster said: "Computer models are very enthusiastic on developing a strong high to our east over Germany and into Scandinavia by mid-July.

The Euros haven't been the only sporting tournament in turmoil over the weather - as the opening days of Wimbledon were also a washout.

There have been fears that crucial matches at SW19 could be delayed, postponed, or transferred to the courts with a roof.

Staff have been pictured covering the courts in preparation for wet weather.