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The UK's Met Office predicts scattered showers across the country on Sunday , with temperatures closer to the seasonal average.

London is expected to see a high of 24°C, while Birmingham will reach 19°C, Aberdeen 17°C, and Belfast 19°C.

Rain will be most frequent and heaviest in northern and western regions , leaving the east and southeast relatively dry.

Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer explained, 'We're now starting to see this spell of very hot weather break down.

As the heat starts to ease, the weather will also turn more changeable, with some showers and thnderstorms possible.

Temperatures should be much closer to average for the time of year with accompanying rainfall for many through the weekend and into the start of next week.'

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The sudden change comes after England and Wales experienced their hottest May days on record on Tuesday.

However, the heatwave was marred by tragedy, with at least 14 people losing their lives after getting into difficulties in open water.

In Nottinghamshire, a 19-year-old man died after entering Balderton Lake near New Balderton.

Emergency services responded on Thursday, but the man could not be saved.

Police confirmed no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

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The end of the heatwave also brought relief to water supply networks strained by high demand.

South East Water reported restoring supplies to 15,500 customers in Kent, including Whitstable and Herne Bay, after issues during the hot period.

Incident manager Steve Benton noted that while recovery is underway, storage tank levels remain low.

He urged customers to use water only for essential purposes like drinking, cooking, and hygiene .

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The company continues to use tankers to support the network and is working to fix a burst water main in Canterbury's Wincheap area, affecting around 500 customers without water.

Another 3,600 customers in Coxheath, Loose, Headcorn, Ulcombe, Benenden, and Wraik Hill may experience low pressure or intermittent supply.

As the UK transitions to more typical early summer weather, authorities remind the public to stay safe around water and conserve resources as the system stabilizes.

Broader context

The UK's record-breaking heatwave is part of a broader trend of extreme weather events in recent years.

The Met Office has reported a significant increase in heat-related deaths and illnesses in the past decade.

The heatwave has also put a strain on the country's water supply networks, with many areas experiencing low water pressure or intermittent supply.

Open questions

One of the main questions surrounding the heatwave is the impact of climate change on the UK's weather patterns.

While the Met Office has reported a significant increase in extreme weather events , the exact cause of the heatwave remains unclear.

Another question is the long-term effects of the heatwave on the country's water supply networks.

Will the recent strain on the system lead to long-term changes in the way water is managed in the UK?