The Met Office has issued its verdict on whether heavy downpours set to hit Britain this week will finally bring "meaningful" rain after weeks of exceptionally dry weather. Forecasters say many parts of the UK are likely to see more rain than they have for quite some time, with some areas receiving welcome amounts.
Forecasters warn of 'highly variable' showers
"A few days of showers are unlikely to completely reverse the effects of such prolonged dryness," the forecaster warned, however. Much of the rain will fall as scattered showers rather than prolonged spells, meaning some places could receive significant amounts while neighbouring locations see very little. The Met Office warned that showers could be "highly variable", adding: "Heavy downpours can also run off very dry ground rather than soaking deeply into the soil."
Wisley in Surrey has recorded 61 consecutive dry days, while Heathrow and Odiham have each gone 55 days without meaningful rain. Several other locations across southern England have recorded dry spells lasting more than six weeks.
Rain bands and unsettled conditions ahead
A huge band of rain is forecast to hit the UK during the early hours of Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Met Office said: "Showers and longer outbreaks of rain will continue across many northern parts", with the possibility of more widespread rain crossing some southern areas overnight. For places that have had little or no measurable rain for weeks, forecasters said this would "certainly be a noticeable change", even if rainfall totals remain modest.
Conditions will become increasingly unsettled on Wednesday, with the Met Office forecasting "frequent showers across Northern Ireland, Scotland and perhaps parts of northern England". It added that some could be "heavy enough to produce hail and thunder", while southern and eastern areas should see sunshine and scattered showers once any early rain clears.
Heavy and thundery showers expected
Thursday is expected to be one of the most unsettled days of the week, with heavy and potentially thundery showers developing across many parts of the UK. England and Wales are considered most likely to experience the most intense downpours. The Met Office said: "Some places could experience brief periods of very heavy rain, hail and isolated thunderstorms."
Showery conditions continue into Friday, with England and Wales again expected to see the greatest concentration of showers. Central, eastern and southern parts of England are particularly likely to see some heavy and thundery showers. Scotland and Northern Ireland, meanwhile, are expected to experience a mixture of sunshine and scattered showers.
Drier weekend ahead
Conditions should become considerably drier by Saturday, when showers are forecast to be much less widespread and many places should remain largely dry with some sunshine after a chilly start. Showers are still possible across northwestern Scotland, while a few heavy showers could develop near southeastern England.
Temperatures during the second half of the week are expected to be close to average or slightly below average in many areas, marking a significant change from the exceptional heat experienced recently. Breezy conditions will also contribute to the cooler feel at times.
