The Met Office has warned of 'heavy downpours' across parts of the UK this week as a cold front moves in, bringing an end to the recent heatwave. The change comes after July was recorded as the UK's sunniest July on record and the second warmest July in the UK series.
July's record dry spell
July was exceptionally dry for many areas, with large parts of England and Wales recording their driest July on record. Southern England was particularly dry, seeing just three per cent of its average rainfall, with only 1.9mm recorded through the whole month. For southern England, July was not only the driest July on record, but also its sunniest, warmest and driest calendar month on record.
Millions of people across the UK are still being impacted by water restrictions due to the lack of rain. While this week will see some rain, it is forecast across northern and western parts of the UK, rather than in the areas where rainfall deficits are greatest.
Wednesday's cold front
The Met Office forecast reads: "By Wednesday, a cold front will move through, bringing a change in wind direction and a fresher feel for many. Temperatures will drop closer to average, with west to north-westerly winds becoming established. Persistent rain and low cloud are likely across the north of Scotland, where some downpours could be heavy, with a warning issued."
A thunderstorm warning is in place across several parts of the UK this week, including all six counties of Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. The warning reads: "Thunderstorms and heavy showers may lead to some disruption this afternoon and evening."
Rain not widespread
Heavy showers and thunderstorms will also develop for parts of England and Wales – though not everyone will see rain – with up to 30mm falling in some spots, the Met Office said. A yellow warning will remain in place from midday tomorrow until 9pm.
Looking towards the weekend, the Met Office says: "Although low pressure remains nearby, it will not bring widespread rain everywhere. By the end of the week, another area of low pressure close to northern Scotland will push a weather front into Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, bringing further damp conditions. Further south, there may be one or two light showers, but very little meaningful rain."
The Met Office continues: "The weekend continues the north-west versus south-east split. High pressure close to the south will help keep conditions drier and warmer there, with some sunny spells. Further north, rain or showers are likely at times on both Saturday and Sunday."
While this week brings a clear change from July's very dry and sunny theme, it will not deliver rain equally across the country. Some northern and western areas will see substantial rainfall, but many southern areas, where rain is most needed, may remain largely dry. Looking further ahead, high pressure may become more influential again next week.
