The Met Office has revealed when Britons could see rainfall as high temperatures and dry conditions continue to grip much of the country. The service warned its forecasts “offers little immediate relief” from the prolonged period of low rainfall as the UK braces for its fifth heatwave of the year.
Extreme heat warnings and drought
Rare amber “extreme heat” warnings have been issued by the forecaster for parts of England on Thursday when the mercury could soar to a sweltering 38C. On Wednesday, the Met Office said the “persistent lack” of rain is becoming “increasingly problematic”. Nearly three quarters of England and the whole of Wales are in drought, heaping pressure on water resources for households, agriculture and the environment.
Rainfall prospects and wildfire risk
The Met Office said while Scotland and Northern Ireland will likely see further spells of rain over the coming days, much of England and Wales will remain dry. “Even where isolated showers occur, they are unlikely to provide the prolonged rainfall needed to significantly improve ground conditions,” the forecaster said, before suggesting there could be some more rain at the end of the week.
The Met Office added: “There are tentative indications of more changeable weather later in the weekend, but confidence remains relatively low and recent forecasts have repeatedly seen wetter spells fail to develop as strongly as first suggested.”
Government response and wildfire figures
Andy Burnham has said he will consider imposing a ban on disposable barbecues amid the risk of further wildfires. The Prime Minister is set to chair an emergency Cobra committee later on Wednesday in response to the continued period of hot and dry weather.
New figures show England and Wales have seen as many wildfires in 2026 so far as there were in the whole of last year. Some 1,017 wildfires have been recorded in England and Wales this year, according to data shared by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the same as last year’s record-breaking total. The Met Office has warned of an “elevated” risk of wildfires in some regions due to the extreme conditions.
