Britain looks set to finally get a soaking after weeks of hot dry weather have parched the country.
In a matter of weeks rain is finally on the way for the Uk, according to new forecasts (Image: WXCharts)
Rain is predicted to give Britain a much-needed soaking in a matter of days, according to the latest forecast maps. New predictions from WXCharts show substantial rainfall could reach many areas of the country as soon as Tuesday, August 18.
Northern Ireland, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, South Wales, Shropshire, Hampshire, the Home Counties, the West Midlands and East and West Sussex are all deemed likely to get a drenching.
The wet weather could come as a welcome relief for many, including struggling farmers and gardeners, and the recent scorching temperatures are forecast to plummet as well. From Thursday, August 20, new maps show readings dramatically different to recent temperatures, with a drop of 20 degrees in parts of the country. London could see temperatures fall to the high teens and parts of Scotland might only reach 5 to 6C
Much-need rain appears to be on the way according to new forecast maps (Image: WXCharts)
But before the hot weather breaks, more heat alerts are set to come into force as the UK braces for its fifth heatwave of the year, bringing scorching highs of 36C.
The yellow heat health alerts run from 9am on Saturday to 9pm on Tuesday and warn that the hot weather is likely to affect the wellbeing of the population.
The Met Office said temperatures will climb through the weekend as heatwave conditions return, with a high of 36C expected in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday.
There have been two record-breaking heatwaves, in May and June, that led to more than 2,800 excess deaths, and two more heatwaves in July that have fuelled drought and wildfires.
Temperatures could drop by more than 20C compared to recent scorching readings (Image: WXCharts)
The highest temperature of the year was 38C recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 28.
There have been 33 days so far this year when temperatures have exceeded 30C somewhere in the UK.
The record of 34 days – set in 1995 – is likely to be broken next week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber and London.
Fires are likely to become exceptionally severe on Sunday for almost all of the east and south-east of England, according to the Fire Severity Index. “Exceptional” severity is its highest ranking.
The Met Office data includes rainfall, temperature and humidity and agencies use the index to assess the severity of fire if it starts. It does not cover the chances of wildfires occurring.
Reservoir storage in England has dropped to 69%, down from 72% a week ago and nearly 12 percentage points below the long-term average for the time of year, the Environment Agency said on Friday.
Storage stood at 85% at the end of June, which was the average for that point in the year, but has fallen steadily in recent weeks.
Five reservoirs are now classed as having “exceptionally low” levels: Blagdon in Somerset (54% full); Clywedog in Powys, which provides water for central and north-west England (62%); the Dove group of reservoirs in Derbyshire (74%); Hanningfield in Essex (60%); and Wimbleball in Somerset (50%).
Last month was the driest July for England and Wales since records began in 1836, according to provisional figures released by the Met Office.
Nineteen counties across England recorded effectively no rainfall – 1mm or less – across the whole of the month, Met Office figures show.
Met Office five-day forecast
Today:
Dry with sunny spells across England and Wales, though a few showers may reach the far southwest later. Cloudier in Scotland and Northern Ireland with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times in the west. Windy in the north.
Tonight:
Rain across Scotland and Northern Ireland will spread slowly south, perhaps reaching northern England later. Elsewhere, mostly dry with variable cloud and isolated southwest showers. A warm night for many.
Sunday:
Rain in the north will drift southeastwards with some heavy spells. Elsewhere, sunny or clear spells and mostly dry, though isolated showers possible in the southeast. Feeling hot once again.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
The next few days see high pressure in charge across all areas. Sunny spells for all with temperatures climbing day on day. Peaking on Wednesday into the mid 30s.