After weeks of no water in a record-breaking summer for hot weather and droughts, rain could finally be set to return to bone-dry Britain.
Areas of northern England and Scotland have finally witnessed downpours early this morning, while southern areas are likely to remain warm and dry today.
But by the end of the week, nearly every corner of the country is likely to see some precipitation finally hit the ground.
It will come as a welcome relief to areas which are now close to two months without any meaningful rainfall – with Wisley in Surrey having had 60 consecutive dry days.
Last week around 71 per cent of England was declared to be under drought conditions, affecting almost 45 million people.
Will Lang, the Met Office‘s chief meteorologist, said that while rain is on its way, there remains a question mark over how much would fall.
The rainfall is unlikely to be significant enough to bring any areas of the country out of drought conditions.
It comes as wildfires continue to ravage the country, destroying properties and forcing residents to flee their homes.
Many of the parks in London have experienced no rain and the ground has been turned a sand-like brown from the heat
An aerial view of parched grass as people take part in a Parkrun at Perry Hall Park in Birmingham
A funfair is seen before opening to the public on the parched and dry Commonside West in Mitcham
It was confirmed this week that the UK is on course for its hottest summer ever – with only average conditions needed for the rest of August to beat a record set only last year.
The mean temperature for the summer so far, from June 1 to yesterday, stands at 16.48C – which is 1.88C above the 1991 to 2020 average, provisional data shows.
Outbreaks of rain will continue across northern areas and Scotland tonight, with mostly dry spells in the south.
On Monday, outbreaks of rain in northern England turn heavier and more persistent, while in the south sunshine will continue, making it feel warm and humid, Met Office forecasters said.
The downpours will eventually reach southern areas between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
On Wednesday, dry conditions return to the south, with a mix of sunshine and showers elsewhere. And on Thursday, rain becomes more spread out across the country once again.
Throughout the summer, Britain has experienced consistently above-average temperatures for the time of year. Later this week, temperatures will fall below the yearly average.
On Friday evening, millions of people in England and Wales received an alert on their mobile devices warning them of a ‘very high risk of wildfires nationally’.
It came after Prime Minister Andy Burnham described Britain as a ‘tinderbox’ and a temporary ban on disposable barbecues was put in place.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said it has been ‘inundated’ with 999 calls since the emergency alert and urged people to help ‘keep our lines available for those who need urgent assistance’.
Rain has been missing for months across the south, leaving many areas dry and in drought conditions
Rain is finally set to return to large parts of the UK on Tuesday, with heavy showers expected in northern England
On Wednesday night and Thursday morning showers will also be present in areas across the UK
West Midlands Fire Service declared a major incident on Thursday as a wildfire spread across more than 500 acres and destroyed 19 homes in the market town.
This message was echoed by South Wales Fire and Rescue service who said on Saturday evening it had already received 736 calls compared to an average of about 300, and urged people only to call 999 if there was a new emergency to report.
The region has been affected by wildfires, leading to the deployment of about 200 military personnel – from the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, supported by the 22 Engineer Regiment – to provide support.
According to the Ministry of Defence, its main task was to provide logistical support, such as water distribution, and help free firefighters and specialist responders to focus on frontline firefighting.
Deputy chief fire officer Adam Openshaw said he was ‘incredibly proud’ of everyone involved in the response to the major incident, and thanked fire crews from across the UK who had come to assist them.
He added: ‘We know this is a challenging and worrying time for many people. I would like to thank our communities for their continued support throughout this time.
‘Please be assured that we remain committed to protecting our communities and keeping the people of South Wales safe.’
It was one of several blazes to ravage through the UK this week as temperatures soared and the hottest day of the year was recorded.
Locals affected by the Stourbridge fire have been invited to attend an address in the area and meet with emergency service officers who will outline ‘if further assessment needs to be made to let you into your property… or if you cannot currently return to your property’.
The fire service provided instructions to those who have been evacuated and said that alongside other agencies, it has worked ‘around the clock to bring the incident under control’.
It comes as Staffordshire Police said a 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of arson over a fire in Stoke-on Trent yesterday.
And a 29-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson in Wales after a wildfire tore through homes in the old mining village of Newbridge, Caerphilly, on Wednesday.
Meanwhile the Government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues as they pose a ‘significant risk to the public’ due to the ongoing heatwave, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called in the military.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service was fighting a wildfire in the Rhandirmwyn area, near Llandovery, which it described as a ‘challenging and dynamic’ major incident.
The service said: ‘A helicopter is actively supporting firefighting operations by carrying out water drops on affected areas, helping crews suppress fire activity in challenging terrain and respond to areas of ongoing concern.’
However many are enjoying the hot weather, using it as a chance to relax, such as on the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London
An aerial view of Tittesworth Reservoir in the Staffordshire Moorlands showing low water levels
The Prince of Wales shared a statement on Saturday thanking emergency services which have been ‘working tirelessly’ to battle wildfires across the country.
Prince William said: ‘To the firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers battling wildfires across the UK, thank you.
‘Our thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly those who have lost their homes, and with those working tirelessly to protect communities, homes and the countryside.’
A Network Rail boss said that extra funding could be needed to help the railway cope with the impact of climate change.
It comes after a Greater Anglia train derailed on Friday south of Wickford railway station in Essex, while an incident at Lewes on Thursday seriously injured two passengers.
Martin Frobisher, group safety and engineering director at Network Rail, told BBC Radio 4’s Today that investigations into the incidents in Essex and East Sussex will be ‘looking at climate and all sorts of other issues’.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login