London is experiencing its longest dry spell in years, with no significant rainfall expected until at least July 25, according to the latest forecasts. The capital has already gone 16 days without rain since June 27, and if the dry conditions persist, it could stretch to 28 days, surpassing the 2018 record of 47 days without rain, as noted by Wanstead Meteo.
Heatwave Conditions and Wildfire Risk
London has basked in nine consecutive days of heatwave conditions, with daily temperatures above 28°C since July 5. The third heatwave since May saw the thermometer reach 34°C in the capital. The hot and dry weather has fueled two major fires in recent days, causing significant disruption. The London Fire Brigade has warned of an “extreme” risk of wildfires, as parks and gardens become tinder dry, increasing the likelihood of a widespread hosepipe ban.
Forecast for the Coming Days
According to the Met Office, Tuesday is set to be another dry and hot day, with temperatures potentially topping 30°C, marking ten straight days of heatwave conditions. The rest of the week remains warm and dry, with daytime peaks of 29°C on Wednesday and Thursday, and 28°C on Friday. The Met Office's seven-day forecast for London sees little change in the drought-like conditions.
Longer-Term Outlook
BBC Weather's two-week forecast indicates zero rain until Saturday, July 25, with only a 30% likelihood of precipitation on that day. After that, dry and sunny weather is expected to return through to the end of the 14-day window on July 27. If rain does fall on July 25, it would end a 28-day dry spell, the longest in London since 2018.
Potential for Thunderstorms
Earlier forecasts suggested possible thunderstorms on July 25, with a 60% likelihood, but the latest predictions no longer mention them. Previous thunderstorms hit London on June 27 and June 23, bringing thousands of lightning strikes and flash flooding. However, the current outlook remains dry, with no relief in sight for the parched capital.
