Wet weather is forecast for parts of England after a summer of record-breaking heatwaves and widespread drought. While heavy rain is forecast for most areas, areas of England and Wales that are most in need of heavy rain may not experience heavy rain in the coming days. Most of the rain will occur in northwestern England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, with some areas in southeastern England remaining dry.

Illustration. When the heaviest rain falls, there is a risk of hail, lightning and the potential for flash flooding. Tuesday will start to rain in many parts of northern and central England.

Scotland and Ireland Northern will remain rainy throughout the day, with longer spells of rain in north-eastern areas of Scotland and the Northern Islands. Further south, the cold front will bring clouds and a few spots of light rain across southern parts of England and Wales in the early stages, although some areas may remain completely dry. Illustration.

OnWednesday, an area of ​​low pressure will bring sunny weather and frequent showers to northwest England, Northern Ireland and southern Scotland. Someof this rain will be heavy and accompanied by thunder, however southeasternEnglandwill remain mostly dry. On Thursday, the rain will become more widespread as low pressure moves southwards across England.

Illustration. Heavy rains and thunderstorms will impact several areas of England which have not experienced significant rain for several days, potentially causing flash flooding

Lightning storms are expected to be more widespread, although some areas that need the rain most may be able to avoid the storms altogether. Some of the rain on Thursday will be heavy and slow-moving, with a risk of hail, lightning and localized flooding.

Drought officials have declared 71.3% of Britain is now in drought, after the country recorded its driest month July since records began in 1836. The whole Wales is also experiencing drought. During periods of drought, soil can become very hard and compacted, making it more water-repellent and increasing water runoff.

The UK is currently experiencing a flash drought according to the National Drought Group, caused by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures