The UK’s recent heatwave has come to an end, but dry conditions are set to persist for most of the country. According to the Met Office, temperatures could reach up to 27°C on Monday and Tuesday in some areas, though northern and eastern regions may experience cooler weather due to northeasterly breezes.
Light Showers in the Southwest, Predominantly Dry Elsewhere
Forecasters predict some scattered showers, accompanied by occasional thunder, in southwest England and south Wales on Monday and Tuesday. However, most parts of the UK will remain dry throughout the week. Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst noted that sunny areas will still feel pleasant, although temperatures will be lower than last week’s highs.
“We’ve had a couple of cooler days, and most regions no longer meet the heatwave criteria,” Mr. Dewhurst explained. Sunday saw Somerset record a high of 27.7°C, while West Sussex and Inverness also reached 27°C.
Heat Health Alerts and Cooler Weather Ahead
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended yellow heat health alerts, in place since Wednesday, for Yorkshire and the Humber, the East and West Midlands, London, the South East, the South West, and the East of England. These alerts will remain active until 6 pm on Monday.
Cloudier conditions and cooler air are expected to spread across the country later in the week, particularly in southern and western areas. By Wednesday and Thursday, maximum temperatures will drop to between 23°C and 24°C. However, southern winds could bring warmer air by the weekend, pushing temperatures back to the high-20s in sunny spells.
Environmental Impacts of Prolonged Dry Conditions
The ongoing dry weather has caused significant environmental and agricultural strain across England. The National Drought Group, which includes representatives from the Met Office, regulatory bodies, and water companies, reported that five regions are still officially in drought, while six others remain in prolonged dry weather status.
This lack of rainfall has led to a range of issues, including reduced crop yields, scarcity of livestock feed, damaged wetlands, and declining river biodiversity. Wildfires have also increased in frequency as a result of drier conditions. According to experts, climate change is contributing to more extreme weather patterns in the UK, from severe droughts and prolonged dry spells to more frequent and intense heatwaves.
As the summer approaches its conclusion, wetter and windier weather may make an appearance by the August Bank Holiday. Until then, most areas will continue to experience dry conditions under changing temperature trends.