The Met Office has forecast light rain and overcast skies for parts of the UK on Monday, providing a brief respite from the ongoing heatwave that continues to grip much of the nation. While some regions may experience a short shower, the forecaster warns that scorching temperatures are set to persist well into the coming week.
According to Met Office weather maps, eight counties will see small amounts of rainfall on Monday, primarily in the East of England, Midlands, and parts of Scotland. Meteorologist Honor Criswick stated: "For the time being it looks like the heatwave is set to continue, but depending on where you are, there may be a brief respite in the heat to come."
Counties Forecast for Rain
In the afternoon, rain is forecast to start in the East of England, with areas in Norfolk and Suffolk expecting less than 0.5mm of precipitation. As the day progresses, rain is also expected across the Midlands, covering Leicester, Birmingham, and Coventry. Scotland is also likely to see some light showers over the course of Monday.
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
- Scottish Highlands
- Aberdeenshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Lincolnshire
- Leicestershire
- West Midlands
Wildfire Risk Remains High
Despite the forecast rain, the wildfire risk remains significant. Natural England's Fire Severity Index has placed much of England at "very high" risk of wildfires, with certain areas across southern England and the Midlands facing an "exceptional" threat. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue has been called to two moorland wildfires in recent days, declaring a major incident following a blaze at Tintwistle Moor on Sunday night.
Area manager Ellie Gillatt commented: "Firefighters continue to face challenging conditions as they work to tackle the wildfire and protect the surrounding infrastructure and environment." East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was also summoned to a "large fire in the open" on the South Downs near Eastbourne on Saturday, while crews battled a blaze at Devil's Dyke in South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, cautioned that the dry, sunny and hot conditions "significantly increase wildfire risk." The Met Office has disclosed that record-breaking temperatures have resulted in 2026 becoming the first year to register 35°C on six separate days, surpassing the previous record set in 1976 and 2020 when five days were logged with temperatures exceeding 35°C.
This year is also the first to witness temperatures of 35°C or higher across three calendar months, and shattered the record for most temperatures of 34°C or higher, with nine such days thus far this summer.
