The Met Office has provided its assessment of whether the UK will see rain and thunderstorms this weekend, following the country's third heatwave of 2026. According to the forecaster, dry conditions are expected across most regions over the coming days, though some parts may experience rainfall.
Dry Conditions Expected for Most Areas
The Met Office stated: "For the next few days, high pressure is expected to remain close to the UK, meaning dry weather will continue for most areas. The most likely chance of rain will be in the far south or south-west, where a few isolated showers are possible. However, these are expected to be scattered and short-lived, with many places remaining dry."
Potential Thunderstorms Later This Week
The Met Office also noted the possibility of thunderstorms towards the end of the week, which could bring heavy rain. It added: "There is a small chance of thunderstorms developing in places later this week. While these could bring brief spells of heavy rain, they are expected to be localised rather than widespread. As a result, they are unlikely to deliver the sustained rainfall that many gardens, reservoirs and agricultural fields may be hoping for."
Weekend Forecast: Rain in Northern Areas
Looking ahead to the weekend, rain is mainly expected to affect northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, while most of the country continues to enjoy sunshine. The Met Office said: "The settled pattern is expected to continue into the weekend. Most areas are expected to be mostly dry, with the best of the sunshine in the south and west. There is a low chance of an isolated shower in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, but many locations will remain rain-free."
Its forecast for Friday to Sunday adds: "Staying dry and settled into the weekend. Further sunny spells, though cloud amounts generally increasing. Temperatures slowly dropping towards the seasonal average, but still feeling pleasant in the sunshine."
Longer-Term Outlook: Potential Rain in Late July
The weather agency indicated that a prolonged period of rain may not occur until mid-to-late July and into August. Its forecast for July 29 to August 12 states: "Perhaps a somewhat more changeable period, with the potential for showers or thunderstorms or even some longer spells of rain at times. Drier and brighter interludes are also likely, perhaps more likely across the south and southeast. Temperatures are likely to be above normal with some hot spells possible."
