A huge band of rain is expected to bring relief to drought-stricken parts of the UK after almost a month without significant rainfall. According to new forecast maps from WXCharts, a low-pressure system will sweep across the country from July 25.
Timing and areas affected
The rain will arrive over 24 hours from Saturday July 25 into Sunday July 26, with a 600-mile-long band coming in off the Atlantic. It will first hit Northern Ireland and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, then drift across Wales, western England and the rest of the country by the morning of July 26.
No significant wet weather has been recorded over the UK since June 27, when London and the South East saw downpours. Hosepipe bans have been enforced in some parts of England due to the dry conditions.
Met Office forecast
The Met Office forecast for the weekend states that "outbreaks of widespread rain" will push across the country from Saturday. It adds: "A changeable period is likely overall, with many areas likely to see a mixture of bright or sunny spells and some rain at times. Northwestern areas are more likely to see the focus of rainfall, but southeastern areas should also see some showers."
Looking beyond the weekend, the national forecaster indicated that dry conditions could return for the start of August. "There are hints that high pressure could return for a time, which would mean dry conditions resuming, especially in the south," the forecast added. "Temperatures will be near or above normal, warmest in the south, and perhaps becoming very warm again by the start of August."
