Rain to stop in time for weekend as sun returns
The heavy downpours that have caused flash flooding will ease during Friday with sunshine returning for the weekend. But there are some chilly nights in store, as Ben Rich explains.
Over the coming days, high pressure will bring drier weather to the UK, ending the heavy downpours that have been causing flash flooding in some areas. From Saturday through Sunday, many regions will experience sunny spells with daytime temperatures potentially exceeding the August average, particularly in southern England. Friday will see additional heavy showers, especially in parts of England and Wales, though most of Scotland and Northern Ireland should remain dry.
Northerly winds will be brisk in certain coastal areas, potentially making it feel cooler. The peak temperature in northern Scotland is expected to be 12°C, while southern England could reach 21°C, both figures below the usual August average. If temperatures do not climb to 25°C, this will mark the first time since June 29th that this has occurred.
Friday night will be notably chilly, with temperatures dropping to 3-4°C in some rural parts of Scotland and northern England, and these cool nights are expected to persist throughout the weekend, though sunshine and lighter winds will allow for daytime temperatures to climb. By Sunday, afternoon highs are forecast to range from 16-20°C in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and 19-25°C in England and Wales, conditions that will be around or slightly above average for the season.
Light scattered showers may occur in the north and west of the UK, but the majority of the country will remain dry, with a mix of patchy clouds and sunny intervals.
The heavy rain that has been falling has not fully alleviated the ongoing drought situation. The National Drought Group announced that it will now meet weekly, rather than monthly, to coordinate their response. Currently, two-thirds of England and all of Wales are in drought, and officials warn that the situation is still worsening despite this week's rain.
Drought will only be declared over once reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater levels are replenished, a process that typically requires months of sustained, significant rainfall. The outlook for the following weeks remains uncertain, with rain predicted to return next week, but there is also a possibility of further hot spells during September.
For continuing updates on regional conditions, readers are advised to check the BBC Weather website and app.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
