London has seen its first rain in weeks as dark clouds gathered over parts of the capital on Sunday. Passing showers occurred between 5:20am and 11:00am, following a prolonged dry spell. More rain is forecast for later in the evening, with AccuWeather predicting a 55 per cent probability of precipitation and an 11 per cent chance of thunderstorms.
Longest dry spell since 2018
The city has experienced its longest dry spell since 2018, with just 40 per cent of the usual average rainfall for this time of year. It has also recorded the most days at or above 34°C since records began. With the exception of a small flurry of showers on July 5, London has not seen a proper downpour since June 27.
Hosepipe ban in effect
The dry conditions have turned gardens and parks into tinder-boxes, prompting a spate of wildfires. A hosepipe ban was enforced in London from midnight on Friday, announced by Thames Water, following similar restrictions in the South-East of England. The ban affects around 10 million homes in the capital and surrounding areas, prohibiting the use of hosepipes for gardens, car cleaning, paddling pools, swimming pools, or window cleaning.
Heatwave continues
The sweltering weather is set to continue, with heatwave temperatures above 30°C forecast for London next week. WX Charts predicts the hot conditions will peak on Wednesday, July 29. Forecasts suggest the capital will bask in a heatwave throughout the week, with UK temperatures rising as high as 35°C. This would mark the fourth heatwave in the city this year, following a record-breaking May temperature of 35.1°C in Kew Gardens, a June blast of 36°C, and a 13-day July heatwave.
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for London, South East, East Midlands, East of England, South West, and West Midlands, with officials warning that temperatures are likely to impact health and wellbeing.
