BBC Weather forecasting first rain in weeks for London as heatwave to briefly end

The city’s green spaces will see a temporary reprieve from the scorching sunshine

London’s parks have been scorched beyond recognition amid the relentless string of sweltering heatwaves. Once lush and green, the grass in the likes of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is now crying out for water.

Thankfully, they’re in for a temporary reprieve, as the latest weather forecast shows rain moving in mid-month. BBC Weather is forecasting light showers across the capital in the afternoon of August 17, before two straight days of uninterrupted sunshine.

Drizzle followed by light rain is then expected to fall for several hours on the morning of August 20. However, temperatures are to stay above 20C. with both wet days hovering at around 22-23C throughout.

The city last saw scatterings of rain on July 30 and August, but these were only brief showers. Skies are to stay extremely clear next week, with thermometers projected to skyrocket to 36C on Thursday (August 14), the Met Office said.

Forecasters are warning of extremely warm conditions in parts of East Anglia and South East England, bringing about the fifth heatwave of the year. Monday is expected to see a brief dip to highs of 27C to 29C before temperatures then rise day by day.

Highs of up to 30C are likely across parts of England on Tuesday, increasing to 32C to 34C on Wednesday. The hottest day is forecast to be Thursday, where 36C could be seen in the capital and surrounding areas.

“A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places, said Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone, “The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34C possible in parts of central and southern England and South East Wales.

“East Anglia and South East England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday. Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight.”

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for parts of England, highlighting the potentially fatal impact of hot weather. This came into force at 9am yesterday, and covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber until 9pm on Tuesday.