Rain is forecasted to hit the UK on Monday, according to Met Office predictions.
The news comes after a summer of extreme heat, where five back-to-back heatwaves and record numbers of wildfires have placed increasing pressure on emergency services across the country.
Thursday was reported to be the country’s hottest day this year, with a total of 40 locations across central and southern England recording temperatures of 36C or higher.
But now, Monday is set to bring respite from the heat, with the Met Office sharing: "Rain is on the way from Monday afternoon, bringing a change after recent dry weather."
Rain is on the way from Monday afternoon, bringing a change after recent dry weather 🌧️
The wettest conditions are likely in western and northern areas, while parts of the south and southeast may miss out on the higher totals. pic.twitter.com/xVTpyxj7OV
Which areas will see rain?
The forecasted map suggests that the following areas will see the most rain:
- Scottish Highlands
- Grampian / Aberdeenshire
- Perthshire and Kinross
- Central Scotland
- Dumfries and Galloway
- Cumbria
- Northumberland
- Pennine Yorkshire
- North Wales
- Northern Ireland
A cold front will gradually introduce fresher air, with conditions feeling far less humid by Saturday
While temperatures won't be as high as today, it will still feel fairly warm in any sunshine ☀️ pic.twitter.com/RbwLVPgxAq
The outlook for Sunday to Tuesday predicts fresher conditions will reach the southeast by Sunday, before turning breezier in the northwest as rain bands push in.
Uncertainty remains
With over half the country declaring drought conditions earlier this month, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Steven Keates, said: “Many people are desperate for some rain to alleviate the impacts of the prolonged dry spell.”
More than 26 million people across the UK have been impacted by hosepipe bans, with multiple reports of farmers facing “the worst harvests in living memory” driving concerns about food shortages and severe price hikes.
The rain is hoped to bring a much-needed end to the oppressive heatwave.
While there is a chance of some thunderstorms developing in central and southeastern parts of England later on Friday into Saturday, Mr Keates stressed that these forecasts remain “very uncertain.”
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