London has experienced its first rain in weeks as dark clouds gathered over parts of the capital. Passing showers fell between 5:20am and 11:00am on Sunday, following a prolonged dry spell. AccuWeather forecasts more rain later in the evening, with a 55 per cent probability of precipitation and an 11 per cent chance of thunderstorms.
The city has endured its longest dry spell since 2018, receiving just 40 per cent of the usual average rainfall for this time of year. It has also recorded the most days at or above 34C since records began. Aside from a small flurry of showers on July 5, London has not seen a proper downpour since June 27. Storm clouds gathered over Barking on Sunday.
Hosepipe Ban Enforced
The dry conditions have turned gardens and parks into tinder-boxes, prompting a spate of wildfires. A hosepipe ban was enforced in London this week following weeks of hot and dry weather. Thames Water announced the move, which affects around 10 million homes in the capital and surrounding area. The ban, in force from midnight on Friday, prohibits using hosepipes for gardens, cleaning cars, filling paddling pools or swimming pools, and cleaning windows.
Heatwave Forecast
The sweltering weather is set to continue, with heatwave temperatures above 30C forecast in London next week. WX Charts predicts 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 35C. This would mark the fourth heatwave in the city so far this year. A record-breaking May temperature of 35.1C was recorded in Kew Gardens, followed by 36C in June, and a third heatwave lasting 13 days in July.
Heat Health Alerts
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for London, the South East, the East Midlands, the East of England, the South West, and the West Midlands. Officials warned that temperatures were likely to impact health and wellbeing.
