The Met Office has warned that no significant rainfall is expected for London and the South East of England in the coming weeks, as the region continues to grapple with the effects of the driest July on record. According to meteorologist Marco Petagna, any showers will be "very few and far between," with the outlook remaining predominantly dry.
Record-Breaking Dry Spell Continues
July was the driest month ever recorded in England and Wales, exacerbating drought conditions and fueling wildfires across the region. The lack of rain has left parks and green spaces scorched, with residents in areas like Putney, south west London, witnessing dry grass and parched landscapes.
Brief showers fell in parts of the capital on Tuesday, but they offered little relief. Petagna noted that while there could be the "odd little shower" overnight in the South East, they would be isolated and insignificant. He added that any rain arriving later on Sunday from the North West would likely weaken before reaching the South East.
Heatwaves and Excess Deaths
The summer of extreme weather has already seen two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, which the Met Office says led to more than 2,800 excess deaths. Two further heatwaves in July, combined with the dry conditions, have heightened concerns about public health and the environment.
Temperatures spiked on Monday and Tuesday, with parts of the UK recording 32C or higher. This marked the 21st day in 2026 that temperatures reached 32C or above, surpassing the previous record of 19 days set in 1995. On Monday, a high of 33.5C was recorded in Wisley, Surrey, contributing to the tumbling of that long-standing record.
Wildfire Risk Prompts Action
The dry and hot conditions have led to a heightened risk of wildfires, prompting major supermarkets to remove disposable barbecues from sale. Asda became the latest retailer to pull single-use grills from its shelves on Tuesday, following similar actions by other chains. Firefighters have been battling blazes, including a significant wildfire in Dunwich, Suffolk, in recent days.
Looking Ahead
Petagna indicated that even for the second half of August, rainfall totals are more likely to be below normal than above, with potential for further spells of hot weather. "Nothing significant on the horizon for the South East," he said.
Meanwhile, more unsettled weather is expected in other parts of the UK, with a yellow warning for thunderstorms in north-east Scotland in place from 10am until 9pm on Wednesday. Temperatures are forecast to drop on Wednesday, closer to averages for the time of year, as a cold front moves through and winds change direction.
