UK weather: Rain to clear for sunny weekend ahead
Temperatures in parts of England could climb to 25C this weekend following heavy downpours, though drought conditions persist.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- High pressure is building across the UK for the weekend
- Afternoon highs could reach 25C in England and Wales
- Nighttime temperatures will drop sharply to a chilly 3-4C
- Drought conditions remain severe despite recent heavy rain
The United Kingdom is set to experience a drier and sunnier end to the week just in time for the weekend, following a period of heavy downpours and localized flash flooding. Ben Rich, Lead Weather Presenter at the BBC, explained that high pressure is building across the country over the coming days, bringing much-needed relief from the wet conditions.
Saturday and Sunday will feature sunny spells for many regions, accompanied by a gradual rise in daytime temperatures. Southern England could even see temperatures climbing slightly above the August average, though the nights will turn noticeably brisk and chilly.
Friday will still bring a risk of further heavy showers, particularly across England and Wales where a few thundery outbursts are possible. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain mostly dry. Brisk northerly winds around some coastal areas will make it feel rather cool, with peak temperatures reaching 12C in northern Scotland and up to 21C in southern England.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Forecasters note that if temperatures fail to reach 25C anywhere in the UK, it will mark the first time that threshold has not been met since June 29. Friday night is expected to be notably cold, with temperatures dipping to 3-4C in rural parts of Scotland and northern England, providing a sharp shock to the system.
The failure of UK temperatures to surpass 25C for nearly two months highlights the persistent influence of cooler northern airmasses during this summer season, balancing out brief episodes of warmer weather.
Chilly nights will persist through the weekend, but increased sunshine and lighter winds will help afternoon temperatures recover. By Sunday, highs are expected to reach 16-20C in Scotland and Northern Ireland, while England and Wales could see 19-25C, aligning close to seasonal norms.
Despite the recent heavy rain causing localized flash flooding, officials emphasize that it has not been enough to alleviate the ongoing drought. On Thursday, the National Drought Group announced it will transition from monthly to weekly meetings to coordinate responses. Over two-thirds of England and all of Wales remain in drought, and authorities state that recovery will only occur after months of sustained, significant rainfall to replenish reservoirs and groundwater.
Source: BBC Science & Environment
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