Met Office names 21 areas facing downpours on Monday - full list

Met Office weather maps indicate that 21 areas across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will see downpours on Monday, while southern England and Wales remain dry.

Rain forecast after record heat and drought

Earlier this week, the UK recorded its hottest day of the year and its fifth-highest temperature on record, with the mercury reaching 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday, according to the Met Office. With record dry conditions in July and a dry start to August, nearly three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales are in drought.

While southern England and Wales look likely to remain dry for some more time, on Monday, 21 areas across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland look set for downpours, with Met Office weather maps turning blue and yellow, indicating that heavy rain is on the horizon.

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Rain bands move across the north

At 2pm, much of the rain is forecast to blanket large swathes of Northern Ireland. Western and central parts of the nation look set to bear the brunt of the rainy conditions, the maps suggest. This heavy band of rain will also cover Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland and South Ayrshire. This area of rain will also reach North West England, particularly Cumbria.

By 8.45pm, the rain band will have moved east/southeast across Scotland and Northern Ireland, with some rain spreading into northern England, according to the maps. The rain will also intensify, with almost the entirety of Scotland engulfed by a massive wall of rain. The Scottish Borders in particular will face a hammering, as will swathes of the Highlands, the maps show.

Northern England braces for heavy showers

Northern England will also see a drenching with Cumbria, the Lake District, Lancashire and Cheshire all bracing for an onslaught of heavy showers, the Met Office forecast suggests. Weather maps indicate there will be a significant north-south divide, with Wales and southern England both forecast to still remain dry.

The Met Office's weather outlook for Monday reads: "Remaining cloudy in the north with outbreaks of rain, turning heavier and more persistent later. Further south, hazy sunshine will develop, making it feel very warm and humid."