The Met Office has issued a rain forecast for this weekend, but warns the rainfall may not be enough to help gardeners and farmers struggling with dry conditions.
Rain expected but not enough
After weeks of little rain, many households hope for precipitation. However, the Met Office says temperatures will be slightly cooler but unlikely to 'substantially improve' dry conditions.
On Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, most of the UK has a better chance of rain, with southern areas staying warm and dry longer, while northern England and Scotland see rain sooner.
Sunday is expected to be the most unsettled day. The Met Office said: "Sunday currently appears the most unsettled day of the weekend. While there remains uncertainty over the exact position and intensity of the rainfall, many areas are likely to experience showers or longer spells of rain, with the possibility of some heavier outbreaks developing in places."
Rainfall totals not significant
Despite the wetter forecast, total rainfall is not expected to be 'particularly significant'. The Met Office added: "Despite the increasing chance of rain, rainfall totals are not expected to be particularly significant. Most areas are likely to see some rain during the next 10 days, but amounts may be insufficient to substantially improve the dry conditions that have developed through much of July."
For farmers and gardeners, any rain is welcome, but the Met Office said: "For farmers, gardeners and those monitoring water resources, any rainfall will be welcome, but the current signal suggests that this spell is unlikely to bring the prolonged or widespread soaking rain needed to completely reverse recent dryness."
August outlook and current impacts
Looking ahead to early August, there is potential for lower pressure from the west, bringing wetter weather, but confidence is lower at this range.
On Tuesday, the Environment Agency warned that weather is already impacting water supplies and food production. Wildfires have damaged farmland, and ponds and wetlands have dried out. Farmers have started harvests early, and cereal yields are expected to be lower than usual, potentially pushing prices up.
