'Wrecking ball' warning as tropical storm to mark major shift in UK weather

The UK is set to see a major change in its weather pattern as the jet stream shifts, pulling in low pressure from the Atlantic, with the remains of a tropical storm potentially on the way

The remnants of a tropical Atlantic storm are set to 'take a wrecking ball' to Britain's calm weather. The current sunshine and clear skies are expected to be replaced by 'potent' thunderstorms, heavy rain and hail.

The high pressure that has been responsible for the mild spell will be pushed aside by a series of low pressures from the Atlantic. Among these could be the remains of Tropical Storm Gordon a cyclonic system that stirred up the Atlantic earlier this week.

Jim Dale, a meteorologist for British Weather Services and social commentator, warned: "Gordon's remains could potentially take a wrecking ball to the fine weather we have been seeing over the past week. Energy associated with the former tropical storm's remains is likely to get caught up in the jet stream and head towards the UK, and depending on what track this takes, it could bring some very unsettled weather. In any case, it is safe to say there is a change on the way with more wind and rain to come through the latter part of the month."

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Britain's weather is about to undergo a significant shift, as the jet stream moves, drawing in low pressure from the Atlantic. High pressure will weaken, allowing a series of lows to dominate the weather picture into next week, according to the Met Office.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin stated: "There are a couple of big changes in our weather patterns likely over the next 10 days, and that does mean we are likely to see some wet weather.

"Settled conditions are because of the jet stream way up to the north taking low pressure systems to Iceland and allowing high pressure to dominate."

"The jet stream is still to the north next week, but weakening, it is what is going on out in the Atlantic and that is likely to mix things up as we go into next week."

"The jet stream is getting more lively and it is getting more south shifted and that is likely to bring low pressure systems our way."

Weekend forecast for the West Midlands

Saturday

After a cloudy start, scattered showers developing during the day, heavy at times and bringing a risk of hail, thunderstorms and gusty winds. Feeling slightly humid but warm in any afternoon sunny spells. Maximum temperature 21 °C. Showers easing to leave an evening of clear spells for most. Low cloud building overnight as a band of rain, possibly with heavy bursts, sweeps northwards. Mild. Minimum temperature 13 °C.

Sunday

Unsettled and breezy with outbreaks of rain continuing to spread across the region, potentially thundery in the afternoon and evening. Staying rather cloudy even in drier periods. Feeling humid. Maximum temperature 20 °C.