The Met Office has identified 12 areas across the United Kingdom that are likely to experience downpours on Monday, as the recent spell of hot weather gives way to rain. Forecasters warn that showers are most probable in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the North East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, and East Anglia also facing wet conditions.
Areas on alert for rain
According to the Met Office, the affected areas include: Caithness, Sutherland, and Ross-shire in Scotland; County Antrim and County Londonderry (Derry) in Northern Ireland; Northumberland and County Durham in North East England; North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire in Yorkshire and the Humber; Lincolnshire in the East Midlands; and Norfolk and Suffolk in East Anglia.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick explained: "As we head into Monday, northerly winds will drag some cloud southwards, bringing rain across the far north of Scotland. We could also see a little bit of rain around the east coast of England, but the best of the brightness is likely going to be across southern parts of Wales and southern England. This is where we'll see the highest temperatures as well, reaching around 25C to 26C."
Wider weather outlook
Criswick added that eastern Scotland and parts of north-east England would also see cloud and the chance of showers, along with parts of Northern Ireland. Elsewhere, high pressure is expected to keep conditions largely dry with sunny spells and warm temperatures. High pressure is predicted to remain in control throughout the week, blocking weather fronts from moving in and keeping widespread rain at bay.
In its long-range forecast for July 23 to August 1, the Met Office stated that much of the UK is expected to stay dry with sunny spells, although northern and northwestern areas are likely to be cloudier with occasional patchy rain or drizzle. Conditions could become more unsettled towards the weekend of July 26 and 27 and into the start of the following week, with spells of rain expected across northern parts of the UK. Some of that rain may also spread into southern areas, although it is likely to be lighter and more patchy.
Uncertainty and potential heat return
The Met Office added that confidence in its forecasts becomes lower during the week beginning July 28, but there are signs high pressure could return, bringing another spell of dry weather, particularly across the south. Temperatures are expected to remain near or above average, with the south potentially becoming very warm again by the start of August.
