The Met Office has identified 18 areas across the UK that are likely to experience heavy rain on Sunday, July 5, as outbreaks of rain move in from the northwest. Scotland and parts of northern England are expected to bear the brunt of the wet weather, while southern and eastern regions remain largely dry and warm.
Forecast Details for Sunday
According to the Met Office, Sunday will see outbreaks of rain continuing for northwest Scotland, possibly moving south at times into Northern Ireland. The rest of the UK is expected to be mainly dry and bright with sunny spells, and turning hot across southern and eastern England. The worst-affected areas include Cumbria, where localised downpours could reach up to 4mm per hour, and parts of East Riding of Yorkshire and Lancashire, where rainfall rates are forecast at no more than 2mm per hour.
Earlier Rain on Friday and Saturday
The unsettled weather begins earlier in the weekend, with rain expected to hit northwest England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland on Friday, while the south remains mostly dry. The Met Office has also issued separate warnings for 30 areas on Friday and 39 areas on Saturday, indicating a prolonged period of instability.
Full List of 18 Areas Affected on Sunday
- Scotland: Sutherland, Caithness, Ross and Cromarty, Inverness-shire, Nairnshire, Argyll, Orkney & Shetland
- England: Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire
Heatwave Warning for Next Week
In stark contrast to the weekend rain, the Met Office has issued an extreme heatwave warning for the following week. A prolonged marine heatwave currently affecting UK waters is set to intensify, with temperatures forecast to reach 39°C in parts of England. Net Weather maps indicate that London and nearby Berkshire could hit 39°C on Thursday, July 9, while Hertfordshire may see 38°C. The forecaster notes that surface waters in north-west European seas are experiencing moderate to severe marine heatwave conditions, with many areas classified as strong or severe.
Impact and Advice
Residents in the affected areas should prepare for localised flooding and travel disruptions due to heavy rain on Sunday. Meanwhile, those in southern and eastern England are advised to take precautions against extreme heat later next week, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure. The Met Office continues to monitor the situation and will update forecasts as necessary.
