Rain to finally hit parts of the UK after dry spell and heatwaves
After three consecutive heatwaves, the driest spring in history and a nationwide hosepipe ban, it’s clear the UK needs some rain soon.
Although experts have warned of the risk of drought, the Met Office has finally predicted “much-needed” rainfall and even thunder in some places.
After a short break from temperatures exceeding 30 degrees in many parts of the country, temperatures rose to the 20s this week.
Showers are expected to hit Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and spread across the United Kingdom on Sunday.
Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington said: “High pressure has been a key feature of the UK weather forecast over the last few weeks, causing above-average temperatures and extremely dry conditions for many.
“However, we will start to see a modest change on Saturday as a weak weather front moves southwards across the UK, bringing much-needed rain, albeit light and mostly concentrated in the North and West. A torrential airmass behind the front will bring potentially heavy showers, some of which may be thunderstorms.”
Northern areas including Manchester and Birmingham could see up to 32mm of rainfall per hour in some places on Saturday, with temperatures averaging 21C.
Showers are then expected to move southeastward throughout the weekend; Southend-on-Sea in Essex and Dartford and Dover in Kent are also forecast to receive 32mm of rainfall per hour on Sunday.
Conditions will improve early on Monday morning as the weather moves towards continental Europe, but the national forecaster warned the rain would not bring much relief to the drought period.
Met Office deputy head of forecasting Greg Wolverson added: “Fresher conditions will prevail from Sunday but temperatures will remain around average for this time of year.
“Although there is a return to rain in the forecast, we have just come out of an exceptional drought and rain is unlikely to be widespread or intense. Many areas, particularly southern England, are likely to continue to experience prevailing dry conditions for the foreseeable future.”
Eight water providers in the UK have announced hose bans, with Thames Water joining the group this week.
A hose ban generally means that water cannot be used to irrigate gardens, fill children’s pools, for exterior cleaning such as patios or decks, or to clean vehicles, although the exact conditions may vary depending on the water provider.
It comes after a June in which multiple heat records were broken.
According to the Met Office, more than 150 weather stations across the UK have broken their own record for the highest maximum temperature for June; The new national record was set at 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, for June.
This isn’t the only heatwave the UK has experienced so far this year; May also saw the highest daily average record set with a scorching 35.1 degrees at Kew Gardens in London.
Met Office’s five-day weather forecast
Tonight:
Parts of Northern Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cloudy, with the possibility of occasional light rain or drizzle. Dry elsewhere with clear spells. A few areas of fog are possible towards dawn.
Thursday:
Most regions remain dry with plenty of sunny weather. Far northern parts are cloudier and a few showers are possible there. It is hot in the inland areas and cooler in the coastal areas.
Outlook from Friday to Sunday:
At first it is dry and very hot, especially in the south. The rain will spread southeastward throughout the weekend, followed by sunshine and showers. Temperatures are approaching normal on Sunday.
