After weeks of extreme heat and drought, forecasters are predicting widespread rain across the UK in early September, offering what many will see as welcome relief. Weather maps from WXCharts show a substantial band of rainfall moving in from the Atlantic on September 5 and covering much of the UK by September 6, as reported by the Derby Telegraph and Leicester Mercury.
According to WXCharts data cited by both outlets, by 6pm on September 5, significant portions of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland could see rain, though parts of East Anglia and some Scottish coastal areas may initially escape. By midnight, precipitation is expected to spread across almost the entire nation, with only Cornwall and Northern Ireland largely missing out. On September 6, the rain is forecast to become more scattered across southern England by midday, while northern England and Scotland remain wet; by 6pm the rain retreats northwards, leaving Scotland and northern England with the heaviest falls.
The Met Office's long-range forecast for August 28 to September 6 paints a similarly unsettled picture, though it differs in timing from WXCharts' predictions. The Met Office expects showers and longer spells of rain across many parts of the UK, accompanied by strong winds. In a statement quoted by both the Derby Telegraph and Leicester Mercury, the forecaster said: 'Some heavy bursts and thunderstorms are likely at times. It will likely remain changeable into early September, with rainfall amounts probably above average for the time of year and the potential for some more strong winds at times. However, some drier, more settled interludes could develop at times. Temperatures are likely to be near average, although some short-lived warm or hot spells are possible, especially in the south.'
The Daily Mirror reports that the relief comes after a summer marked by severe drought. Half of England and all of Wales were officially declared to be in drought, and 10 water companies announced hosepipe bans, according to the paper. Kew Gardens in London recorded its first completely dry calendar month since records began in 1871, with no rain at all in July.
Parts of the UK received heavy pulses of rain early on Wednesday, and residents in Hampshire welcomed the downpours with open arms, the Daily Mirror reported. The Met Office issued yellow warnings for rain and thunderstorms in northern areas of England and Wales from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, as well as for Northern Ireland from midday to midnight on Wednesday and for an area of eastern Scotland around Aberdeen from 2pm to 9pm on Wednesday.
For those in the northwest, weather maps published by the Met Office show rain hitting Greater Manchester and the region from Thursday afternoon, with a second heavy spell expected on Friday morning, according to the Daily Mirror.
Despite the welcome rain, there are concerns about flooding. The Met Office has warned of the risk of surface water flooding as heavy rain falls on baked dry ground that cannot absorb water effectively, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
While the rain brings relief, water companies are urging continued caution. United Utilities has no plans to impose restrictions but encourages people to use water wisely, the Daily Mirror reports.
The outlook for the coming week, as detailed by the Leicester Mercury, sees dry weather on Monday, cloudier conditions with showers on Tuesday, and heavy showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday, consistent with the broader unsettled pattern.