Heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the United Kingdom in the coming days, bringing a risk of hail, lightning, and localised flash flooding, according to BBC Weather. The wet weather follows a period of record low rainfall during which drought officials declared 71.3% of England in drought.
Heavy showers and thunderstorms forecast for UK with flash flood risk
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the United Kingdom in the coming days, bringing a risk of hail, lightning, and localised flash flooding, according to BBC Weather. The wet weather follows a period of record low rainfall during which drought officials declared 71.3% of England in drought.
On Tuesday, wet weather is expected across many northern and central parts of the UK. Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to remain showery through much of the day, with longer spells of rain across northeast Scotland and the Northern Isles. A cold front is expected to bring cloud and light rain to parts of southern England and Wales early in the day, though some areas may remain dry.
By Wednesday, an area of low pressure is forecast to bring sunny spells and frequent showers across north-west England, Northern Ireland, and southern Scotland, with some of those showers turning heavy and thundery. South-east England is expected to stay largely dry.
On Thursday, showers are forecast to become more widespread as the low pressure system drifts southward across the UK. Some showers on Thursday are expected to be heavy and slow-moving, raising the risk of hail, lightning, and localised flooding. Some areas most in need of rainfall may not receive significant amounts, according to the forecast.
Drought officials have declared 71.3% of England in drought after the country recorded its driest July since records began in 1836. All of Wales is also in drought. During drought periods, ground can become hard and compacted, making it more water-repellent and increasing surface runoff, which can cause flash flooding when intense rain falls faster than the ground can absorb it. Heavy summer thunderstorms do not necessarily end a drought, as rivers, groundwater levels, and reservoirs can remain depleted for months.
The area of low pressure is also expected to bring cooler air from the Arctic. Temperatures across Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to reach highs of 13–18C, while England and Wales can expect highs of 18–22C by Thursday. Forecast models suggest another period of intense heat is unlikely in August, but the Met Office notes in its most recent long-range forecast that the start of meteorological autumn could see hot spells or heatwaves develop, particularly in the south. The Met Office adds that uncertainty is significant at this stage in long-range forecasting.
- The source does not state which body or bodies declared drought status for England and Wales, beyond a reference to 'drought officials' and a caption mentioning the National Drought Group.
- The source does not specify the exact date or dates on which drought status was declared.
- The source does not state which regions of England and Wales are most affected by drought or most in need of rainfall.
- The source does not provide current reservoir, river, or groundwater level figures.
- The source does not state the specific dates of the forecast beyond references to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, without giving calendar dates.
- The source does not define the record against which July 2022 is measured as the driest since 1836.