The Met Office is warning that the current heatwave in Swanage is forecast to end with a bang.
The temperature soared into the 20s and holidaymakers headed straight to Swanage beach, populating the coastline with colourful parasols and windbreaks.
The sustained high temperature led to the Met Office issuing its first Amber extreme heat warning for the south west of England.
The heatwave to dissipate
However this has now been replaced with a Met Office Yellow rain warning for the area, as the heatwave dissipates.
It’s forecasting that from early on Saturday 24th to midnight on Sunday 25th July 2021 across the southwest, there’ll be outbreaks of rain and some thunderstorms. There’s also the possibility of lightning and hail.
The Met Office says rainfall amounts will vary from place to place, but there is the potential for up to 100 mm to build up in some locations over the course of the weekend, much of which could fall in a short period of time.
The Met Office map showing a wet weekend for the south of England and Wales
“Some very heavy showers or thunderstorms are on the cards”
Met Office deputy chief operational meteorologist David Oliver said:
“This yellow rain warning comes as temperatures are set to dip for many areas over the weekend. A spell of rain, heavy in places perhaps with some thunder, moves in from the southwest late on Friday and into Saturday.
“This is followed up by an unsettled weekend for much of England and Wales with showers breaking out widely. Some very heavy showers or thunderstorms are on the cards, especially during Sunday.”
Enjoy the heat while it lasts
Tourists and residents made the most of the hot weather while it lasted, visiting Swanage Beach, Swanage Pier and the Stone Quay near the restaurant Gee Whites.
“Five plus bottlenose dolphins just passed the castle”
While beachgoers have been enjoying the hot weather, others have been catching the rays too. Over the last week of hot weather, there’s been several sightings of pods of dolphins, including some spotted off the coast at Durlston in Swanage.
Durlston Country Park posted:
“Five plus bottlenose dolphins just passed the castle, heading into Durlston Bay, spotted by eagle-eyed volunteer Jol!”
Gwyneth Mitchell was lucky to get a picture with her camera, as was Caroline Abbott from her kayak.
A paddleboarding seal
Further along the Purbeck coast near Arne, a seal thought it would have a go at paddleboarding, surprising the crew of a boat in Poole Harbour.
Paul Mitson from estate agents Albury and Hall in Swanage was quick enough to grab this video.
