New weather maps indicate that a massive 390-mile wall of rain is set to drench nearly all of England by July 26, bringing an abrupt end to the current heatwave. The maps, produced by WXCharts using MetDesk data, show a band of rain stretching from Cumbria in the North West to Cornwall in the South West, moving eastward across the country.
Heavy Downpours Expected in South West
The South West, particularly Cornwall and Devon, is expected to experience the worst of the weather, with forecasts warning of up to 7.5mm of rain per hour by midday on July 26. Heavy showers are also anticipated in parts of South Wales, Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland. Only small areas of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Hampshire are predicted to remain dry, according to The Express.
Met Office Warns of Changeable Weather
The Met Office's long-range forecast for July 26 to August 9 warns of "changeable weather patterns" with showers or longer spells of rain, possibly heavy and thundery. However, drier and brighter interludes are possible, especially in the south and southeast, and temperatures are likely to be above normal with some hot spells possible.
Current Conditions and Thunderstorm Risk
Deputy Chief Forecaster David Hayter noted that while most areas remain dry and sunny, northern Scotland is experiencing rain and heavy downpours from a cold front. He added that conditions are expected to improve over the weekend, but there is a possible increase in thunderstorms from Monday in parts of the south.
