The Met Office has issued a forecast indicating that rain will hit the UK for six consecutive days starting Tuesday, July 21, bringing an end to the summer's three heatwaves. After temperatures soared past 35°C in May, June, and July—including a high of 37°C in Norfolk in late June—the weather is set to turn unseasonably damp for millions.
Rain Timeline and Regional Breakdown
Scattered showers are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, primarily affecting northern regions. Thursday and Friday will see rain largely confined to northern Scotland. However, the weekend is predicted to be a washout for many, with widespread rain moving southward.
The Met Office forecast for Tuesday night states: “Cloudy in the north with outbreaks of light drizzle in places. Largely dry elsewhere with clear spells and a few fog patches. Showers possible in East Anglia.” Wednesday is expected to remain cloudy and cool in the far north with light showers, while other areas will be dry and sunny with very warm sunshine.
Weekend Outlook
From Thursday to Saturday, the outlook is: “Settled through to Friday with patchy cloud and showers in the north. Very warm in the south. Outbreaks of more widespread rain push into the north on Saturday.” On Saturday night, most of Scotland and northern England will be blanketed by rain, which is set to move south in the early hours of Sunday.
Despite the rain, temperatures will remain warm where it stays dry. The south of England and Wales are expected to have the best weather this week. In London, high temperatures will range from 25°C to 28°C for the rest of the week, with sun and cloud. Cardiff will see highs between 25°C and 27°C until Saturday, when cloud moves in and the mercury falls to 22°C, with drizzle forecast on Sunday. Cornwall, popular with summer holidaymakers, will experience highs of 22°C until Sunday, when drizzle is also expected.
Long-Term Forecast
The Met Office added that the rest of July will be 'changeable': “This period looks like being largely changeable, with many parts likely to see some rain at times. Rain will spread southeast across most if not all parts of the UK through this weekend, with some showers following. Further bands of rain look likely to spread southeast next week, interspersed with sunny spells and some showers.”
The wet weather marks a stark contrast to the previous heatwaves, which saw temperatures exceed 35°C in May, June, and July. The highest recorded temperature this summer was 37°C in Norfolk in late June.
