After three consecutive heatwaves, the driest spring on record and hosepipe bans across the country, the UK is clearly in need of some rain soon.
Experts have warned of the risk of drought, but the Met Office has finally forecast a spell of “much-needed” rainfall and even thunder in some places.
It comes after a short break from heat in excess of 30C in many areas of the country, with temperatures more comfortably in the twenties this week.
Showers are expected to roll in across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on Saturday evening, before spreading further across the UK on Sunday.
Steve Willington, Met Office chief forecaster, said: “The high pressure has been a key feature of the UK’s weather forecast over the last few weeks, bringing above-average temperatures and extremely dry conditions for many.
“However, we will begin to see a modest change as a weak weather front pushes south across the UK on Saturday, bringing some much-needed rain, albeit light and mainly concentrated in the North and West. Behind the front, a showery air mass will bring potentially heavy showers, some of which may be thundery.”
Areas in the North, including Manchester and Birmingham, may see up to 32mm an hour of rainfall in some places on Saturday, with temperatures averaging 21C.
Then the showers are expected to move further south-east over the course of the weekend, with Southend-on-Sea in Essex and Dartford and Dover in Kent also facing 32mm an hour of rainfall on Sunday.
Conditions will then clear up by early morning on Monday as the weather front moves over continental Europe, but the national forecaster warned the rain won’t bring much relief to the dry spell.
Greg Wolverson, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, added: “Fresher conditions will prevail from Sunday onwards, but temperatures will remain around average for the time of year.
“Although there is a return to rain in the forecast, we have just come out of an exceptionally dry spell and the forecast rain is unlikely to be widespread or substantial. Many areas are likely to continue experiencing prevailing dry conditions for the foreseeable future, especially in southern England.”
Eight water providers across the UK have already announced hosepipe bans, with Thames Water joining that line-up this week.
A hosepipe ban generally means water cannot be used to water gardens, fill paddling pools, for external cleaning like patios or decking, or to clean vehicles, but the exact conditions can vary depending on the water provider.
It comes after a June that will be remembered for breaking multiple heat records.
More than 150 weather stations across the UK set their own highest maximum temperature record for June, according to the Met Office, with a new national record set for June at 37.7C at Lingwood, Norfolk.
It is not the only heatwave experienced by the UK so far this year, as May also saw its highest daily average record broken at Kew Gardens in London with a scorching 35.1C.
Five-day Met Office weather forecast
Tonight:
Cloudy across northern Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland with some light rain or drizzle possible at times. Dry elsewhere, with clear spells. A few fog patches possible towards dawn.
Thursday:
Most areas remaining dry, with plenty of sunny spells. Cloudier in the far north with a few showers possible here. Warm inland but cooler along coastal areas.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Dry and very warm at first, especially in the south. Rain then spreads southeastwards through the weekend, followed by sunny spells and showers. Temperatures trend closer to normal by Sunday.
