- England received just 6% of its long-term average rainfall in August, and most parts of England and all of Wales are in drought after the driest July in nearly 200 years.
- Three wildfires were declared 'significant incidents' with soldiers sent in to help; around 200 troops are deployed, assisting with firebreaks and logistics.
- South Wales Fire Service responded to 14 separate wildfire incidents on Saturday, placing 'considerable demand' on resources, and received 736 calls today compared to an average of around 300.
- The heatwave finally waned, with temperatures staying below 30C in most places, and cooler weather and rain are expected.
- Most areas of northern England should see rainfall this morning, but South Wales will remain dry with less than a five per cent chance of rain in Cardiff today.
- Proper rain may not return until October, as the longer-range outlook is for a settled, drier and warmer rest of August and September.
- Despite the drought, UK groundwater levels are in 'remarkable' health, with 15 out of 35 sites reporting 'normal' or 'above normal' levels.
The heatwave has finally subsided, with temperatures dropping below 30C across most regions. Rain is forecasted for northern England, but the Environment Agency reported only 6% of the average rainfall for August so far, raising concerns about its effectiveness in alleviating the ongoing drought.
Most areas in northern England, including the Lake District and Newcastle, are expected to receive some rainfall, but South Wales is likely to remain dry with less than a 5% chance of rain in Cardiff today. After the driest July in nearly 200 years, the drought has left most of England and all of Wales parched.
Experts warn that the immediate forecast shows little measurable rainfall for the areas that need it most, with a longer-range outlook predicting a settled, dry, and warm August and September. “We might need to wait until October for the return of proper rain,” said a meteorologist.
Despite the drought, scientists noted that groundwater levels in the UK are in “remarkable” health, with 43% of monitored sites reporting normal or above-normal levels. However, the situation remains precarious as eight sites showed notably below normal levels, indicating a mixed picture amidst the ongoing dry conditions.1415
“England has received just 6% of its long-term average rainfall in August, and most parts of England and all of Wales are in drought after the driest July in nearly 200 years. Proper rain may not return until October, with the longer-range outlook for a settled, drier and warmer rest of August and September.”
