The BBC's latest forecast indicates that London is set to experience eight days of rainfall over the next two weeks, marking a significant shift after successive heatwaves. The predicted rain is expected to bring relief to the capital, ending the ongoing drought conditions.
Rainfall Predictions and Timing
According to the BBC forecast, the rainy period will span from Tuesday, August 26, to Wednesday, September 2, with only one day—Saturday, August 29—expected to remain dry. Most of the rainy days are forecast to be fairly light, but September 1 is predicted to be considerably wetter, with heavy rain expected. This follows a rainy bank holiday weekend, during which rain is forecast for Sunday, August 30, and Monday, August 31.
Saturday, August 29, is predicted to be a sunny day with temperatures in the low to mid-twenties Celsius. The four days before that are also expected to see rain. Friday, August 28, may even see some thundery conditions between 5 and 7pm.
Temperature Trends and Relief from Heat
For those not fond of the heat, temperatures over the next two weeks are forecast to peak at around 24°C on Sunday, August 23. The BBC operates on a probability scale, meaning the forecast is not an absolute guarantee of rain but indicates a decent chance for planning purposes.
While the rain is a welcome change, the Met Office has not ruled out the possibility of temperatures rising again, though it stops short of forecasting an actual heatwave. The Met Office's long-range forecast states: "A rather unsettled start to autumn is most likely with all areas probably seeing a mixture of showers or longer spells rain interspersed with drier interludes. Temperatures likely varying around average, some warm or hot spells are possible but unlikely prolonged in early September."
Potential Flooding Risks
As autumn approaches, other weather challenges may arise. Weather expert Jim Dales told MyLondon that London could face flooding as a direct result of the recent weather patterns. "There is a tendency for the weather to make up what it's been short of," he explained. "This is a kind of natural pattern—a balancing effect. It's a bit like what happens in the tropics when you get a dry season then you get a very wet season."
By mid-September, the Met Office forecasts a possible increase in drier, more settled weather, especially in the south and east, though signals remain weak and subject to change.
