No significant rain forecast for at least a week as UK heatwave continues
BBC News 2026-07-13 23:02:25
Context: A severe heatwave is gripping many areas of the UK, with large swathes of England experiencing 0% of their expected July rainfall, and some regions on course to have gone almost a month without measurable wet weather. The dry conditions have led to hosepipe bans in many areas, an increased risk of wildfires, and numerous record-breaking high temperatures. The heatwave is expected to continue for at least the next week, with high pressure dominating the UK forecast.
Key Facts
- Large swathes of England have recorded 0% of their expected July rainfall, with Wisley in Surrey having gone 26 consecutive days without any measurable wet weather.
- More than eight million households in England are now living under hosepipe bans, while areas including Greater Manchester and Conwy are experiencing wildfires.
- High pressure will dominate the UK forecast for at least the next week, with temperatures potentially reaching highs of up to 33C in southern England.
- The UK has set numerous temperature records this summer, including a new June temperature record of 37.7C at Lingwood, Norfolk, and a new record for the number of days reaching 35C or above.
- Provisional Met Office data shows that the first 11 days of July brought most places less than 20% of their usual monthly rainfall, with some areas in Wales seeing less than 10% of the usual July average.