Wales is finally set for a downpour this weekend after weeks of heatwave conditions and dry weather. July is expected to be the driest on record, with very little rain so far.
Isolated showers may end the month, but the real change comes at the start of August. The Met Office forecast for Wales shows downpours expected across much of the country from Sunday.
Drought and wildfire warnings
The dry conditions have led fire chiefs to warn about wildfire risks. A serious wildfire in Blaenavon has been burning for over ten days, with smoke visible for miles, and other wildfires have left Welsh hillsides scorched.
Last week, two parts of Wales became the first areas in the UK to officially declare drought status this summer following successive heatwaves and record-low river flows. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) triggered the declaration for North Wales and the Upper Severn.
Detailed forecast
According to the Met Office, the end of the week will bring Wales' first downpours in over a month. It will remain largely dry with few isolated showers until a band of rain moves in on Sunday afternoon.
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday looks like the wettest day of the month so far, with scattered showers throughout the day. Some showers may be heavy in isolated areas, with the most rain forecast for north Wales. The wet weather will ease gradually.
Thursday, July 30
Thursday will start cloudy with some showers before turning dry. The Met Office forecast states: "Thursday will start rather cloudy with the odd spot of rain. Skies will brighten from the northwest leaving a mostly fine afternoon. Feeling much fresher in gentle northwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 22C."
Friday, July 31
Friday will be largely dry, with only a few small isolated showers.
Saturday, August 1
The first day of August will be dry, ahead of downpours moving in on Sunday.
Sunday, August 2
Sunday will remain dry until a band of heavy and persistent rain arrives from the south-west at around 4pm. By 10pm, most of the country will be experiencing rain, which will continue overnight.
