Parts of England are on the brink of drought following an extended period of dry weather, with some areas receiving less than 10mm of rain since mid-June. Wisley in Surrey has recorded no rainfall for 36 consecutive days. In Wales, most regions have had less than 25mm of rain since mid-June, with the northeast experiencing particularly dry conditions.
A Thames Water hosepipe ban took effect on Thursday, joining similar restrictions already implemented by other water companies in the south of the United Kingdom. These measures come as parts of southern, central, and eastern England have been declared to be close to drought status.
While June was wetter than average for the UK overall, the majority of that rainfall occurred in the first two weeks of the month. Since June 15, large areas of central southern England have registered only 3mm or less of rain.
In contrast, Northern Ireland experienced a very wet June, exceeding its average rainfall by 67%, and western Scotland also saw significant precipitation. However, July has been drier than average in Northern Ireland and most of Scotland. The Highlands have continued to receive rain, with Aultbea already reaching its July average, and more precipitation is expected.
Light rain is forecast for this weekend across the UK, but forecasters anticipate it will not be substantial enough to significantly impact the dry conditions in drought-affected areas. Western Scotland is expected to receive the most rain, while many parts of central southern England may see little to no rainfall from this system.