Parts of the United Kingdom are currently experiencing their fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures predicted to reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) later in the week. This prolonged period of hot weather exacerbates existing concerns about a significant lack of rainfall, which has led to hosepipe bans affecting millions of households and created dry conditions conducive to wildfires.
While some rain fell over the weekend, the driest regions, including central, southern, and eastern England, saw minimal or no meaningful precipitation. According to the Met Office, rainfall in England for the current month stands at 4.4mm, placing it among the lowest levels on record. Only February 1891, with 3.3mm, and June 1925, also with 4.4mm, recorded similar dryness. In Wales, where a drought was officially triggered last week in some areas, July rainfall has been so low that it ranks as the fourth driest month since records began, with the current driest July on record being 2026.
As the new spell of hot weather develops across England and Wales, the persistent dry ground and low soil moisture levels are expected to become an increasing issue. Wisley in Surrey, one of the driest locations in southeast England, had experienced 40 consecutive days without rain as of July 27. Although isolated showers are possible later in the week, the forecast does not indicate any significant rainfall on the horizon. Residents can monitor the latest weather updates for their specific areas on the BBC Weather website or app.