Gloomy UK to be Soaked in Rain This Week after Record-breaking Summer – but Met Office Forecasts More Heatwaves to Come

THE UK is set to be soaked in rain this week after a record-breaking summer – but the Met Office says more heatwaves could be coming.

Rain is sweeping the UK after a spell of dry weather, with nearly three-quarters of England and the entirety of Wales facing drought.

It comes after the UK saw temperatures reach highs of 38C in the country’s fifth heatwave of the year last week, which saw a rare amber alert for heat issued across the nation.

However, the Met Office has predicted an increased amount of rain making its way across the country this week alongside breezier conditions.

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From Monday onwards, the north will see cloud and outbreaks of heavy rain which will gradually move southward introducing “fresher conditions” with showers more widespread on Thursday.

But the national forecaster says the hot weather could return with the potential for a sixth heatwave before the UK’s summer comes to an end.

The forecast, from August 30 to September 13, says: “There is a chance that late-season hot spells or heatwaves develop, especially in the south.”

It’s predicted the UK will see “drier, more settled weather, slightly more likely towards the south and east”.

Temperatures during this period are “again likely to be near to or above average overall”.

From next Friday to the end of the month, the Met Office says Brits are likely to see a changeable period.

Many parts of the UK may see showers or longer spells of rain with the possibility of some drier weather in between as high pressure sweeps across the country.

However, low pressure systems from the Atlantic “could lead to a period of widespread rain and strong winds at times” with the chance for some thunderstorms.

The Met Office added: “Temperatures are more likely to be above normal than below overall, though the possibility of widespread or exceptional heat is lower than in recent weeks.”

This chance of rainfall comes as two thirds of the country face drought status as a result of consistently dry conditions.

According to the National Drought Group, England faced its driest July since records began 190 years ago, with parts of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex not experiencing rain for over two months.

In response to the drought and the dry conditions, over 27million Brits currently face hosepipe ban restrictions.

These have been enforced by nine water companies to prevent unnecessary water use.

No water company has confirmed when the restrictions will end, but it is anticipated for when water levels are replenished.

Thursday marked the second time that the UK has hit 38C in 2026, with the previous high of exactly 38C recorded in June in Lingwood, Norfolk.

The Met Office said: “The only other time this has happened twice in one year was in 2022. It also makes it the 5th hottest day on record.”

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However, as Brits flocked to the beach, some regions have had cooler weather, with Scotland and Northern Ireland seeing wetter conditions.

Record-breaking heatwaves in May and June led to more than 2,800 excess deaths, with the PM urging the public to check in on vulnerable relatives and friends during the extreme heat.

Source: www.thesun.co.uk