After enduring its fifth heatwave of the summer, London is set to receive a prolonged period of rainfall, with six days of wet weather forecast before the end of August. The change comes as temperatures have already dropped from the record-breaking high of 38.1C recorded at Kew Gardens on Thursday, which marked the hottest day of the year.
Saturday saw temperatures plummet to around 27C, and Sunday's high is expected to reach 26C, providing relief after weeks of health alerts and wildfires that have plagued the capital. The upcoming rain is anticipated to bring much-needed moisture to London's parched parks and green spaces.
Rainfall Forecast Details
The first significant rainfall is predicted for Tuesday, August 18, with showers expected to begin in the early morning and persist into the late afternoon, accompanied by a peak temperature of 25C. Further rain is forecast for Thursday, August 20, with light showers and light winds cooling the capital to around 21C.
Friday is expected to see light, patchy rain, while heavier showers are predicted for Saturday, August 22, following a two-day pattern. That day will feel slightly cooler at 20C. The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Tuesday, August 25, and Wednesday, August 26, with unrelenting showers on both days and peak temperatures of 22C and 23C respectively. A final bout of significant rainfall is predicted for Saturday, August 29, with temperatures remaining stable at around 23C.
Daily Temperature Outlook
Here is the day-by-day forecast for London over the next two weeks:
- Sunday, August 16: Light cloud and winds, with a peak of 26C.
- Monday, August 17: Cloudy skies and light winds, with a peak of 26C.
- Tuesday, August 18: Light rain and a gentle breeze, with a peak of 25C.
- Wednesday, August 19: Patches of sunshine, with a peak temperature of 23C.
- Thursday, August 20: Light showers and a gentle breeze, with a temperature of 21C.
- Friday, August 21: Sunny intervals and light winds, with mercury rising to 21C.
- Saturday, August 22: Light rain showers and light winds, with a peak of 20C.
- Sunday, August 23: Sunny intervals and breeze, with a peak of 22C.
- Monday, August 24: Patchy sunshine and light winds, with a peak of 22C.
- Tuesday, August 25: Light rain and a gentle breeze, with a peak of 22C.
- Wednesday, August 26: Light rain and a gentle breeze, with a peak temperature of 23C.
- Thursday, August 27: Patchy sunshine and a gentle breeze, with a temperature of 23C.
- Friday, August 28: Sunny intervals and light winds, with mercury rising to 23C.
- Saturday, August 29: Light rain showers and light winds, with a peak of 23C.
Impact on the Capital
The rainfall is expected to provide significant relief to London's dried-out parks and green spaces, which have suffered from the driest summer in centuries. The forecast comes as the capital has been dealing with the effects of extreme heat, including health alerts and wildfires. Residents are advised to keep their umbrellas handy as the wet weather pattern sets in for the remainder of August.
