The UK is set to experience ongoing heatwave conditions, with many areas facing a month without measurable rainfall, raising concerns over drought and wildfires.
New Delhi, India Jul 14, 2026 ALN: Heatwave conditions are set to continue in many areas of the UK over the next few days - with some parts on course to have gone almost a month without any measurable wet weather.
Large swathes of England have so far recorded 0% of the rainfall they would normally expect in July, with Wisley in Surrey having gone 26 consecutive days without any. Rainfall in Wales and Northern Ireland is also far below average. This prolonged dry spell has raised concerns not only about water supply but also about the potential for agricultural impacts, as crops and livestock depend heavily on regular rainfall for sustenance.
More than eight million households in England are now living under hosepipe bans while the ongoing dry weather means a continued risk of wildfires, with blazes already in areas including Greater Manchester and Conwy. The hosepipe bans have been implemented as a precautionary measure to conserve water supplies, which are dwindling in many regions due to the lack of precipitation. Households are being encouraged to use water more efficiently, and local authorities are working to monitor usage and enforce restrictions.
High pressure will dominate the UK forecast for at least the next week, with highs of up to 33C possible in southern England, meaning rain will be in very short supply. Such high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Public health officials are advising residents to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
High temperatures have been hitting the headlines so far this summer, setting numerous records:
New UK June temperature record: 37.7C at Lingwood, Norfolk, surpassing the previous record of 35.6C from 1976.
New record for number of days reaching 35C or above: six days this summer so far, surpassing the previous record of five days set in 1976.
New record for number of days reaching 34C or above: nine days this summer so far, surpassing the previous record of eight days set in 1976.
It is also the first year on record when 35C or above has been reached in three different calendar months - May, June, and July. These unprecedented temperature levels have prompted discussions about climate change and its effects on weather patterns, particularly in a region that has historically experienced more temperate conditions.
But rainfall - or the lack of it - is also a big story of the summer. A number of places have had no measurable wet weather for around three weeks or longer. This lack of rain has not only affected water supply but has also raised concerns about soil moisture levels, which can impact agriculture and natural ecosystems.
No rain for 26 days: Wisley (Surrey).
No rain for 24 days: Herstmonceux (East Sussex).
No rain for 20 days: Cardington (Bedfordshire), Wittering (Cambridgeshire), Odiham (Hampshire), Heathrow (London).
For context, Wisley would expect to record 49.3mm (1.94in) of rain in a typical July, with Odiham seeing a monthly average of 50.8mm. The significant deviation from average rainfall levels highlights the severity of the current dry spell, with many regions experiencing drought-like conditions.
Most areas of Wales have seen less than 10% of the usual July average, and in Northern Ireland, the figure varies from 1% to 20%. The one major exception is north-west Scotland where most areas have seen 40% or more of their normal monthly rainfall. This disparity in rainfall distribution raises questions about regional climate variability and the potential for localized drought conditions.
Aultbea (Highland) has already had 95% of its typical rain for July, with over half of the month remaining. At this point in the month, sites would have expected to have received 35% of the month's total rain. This uneven distribution of rainfall can lead to significant challenges for water management and agricultural planning across the country.
High pressure will remain close to the UK for the rest of this week. This will keep widespread rainfall at bay meaning most areas remain largely, or completely, dry. The high-pressure system is characterized by descending air, which inhibits cloud formation and precipitation, leading to prolonged dry spells.
A few showers and thunderstorms are expected but these will be confined to the far south of England - as well as the Channel Islands - and even where these do turn up there will be places that fall between the downpours and stay dry. This limited precipitation will not be enough to alleviate the current drought conditions that many regions are facing.
Even further ahead there may be little relief, with some computer models suggesting high pressure is likely to remain in charge throughout next week - and possibly even beyond. The persistence of high-pressure systems can lead to extended periods of dry weather, exacerbating existing water shortages and increasing the risk of wildfires.
The threat of wildfires will continue, especially where dry weather is accompanied by breezy conditions. Natural England is warning of a "very high" or "exceptional" risk of fires across much of England - as well as Wales - over the next few days. The combination of dry vegetation, high temperatures, and wind can create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly.
Fires are already burning in a number of locations including Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, and Conwy. Dry weather does not, on its own, cause wildfires - there needs to be a source of ignition too, such as a spark from a barbecue or a discarded cigarette. However, dry conditions remove moisture from vegetation making it more able to burn and act as fuel for blazes to take hold and spread.
After a slightly fresher start to the week, temperatures are set to climb, returning to 32 or 33C (90-91F) in southern England by midweek. Many parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England will get into the mid to high-twenties. This rise in temperature can lead to increased energy consumption as people turn to air conditioning and cooling systems to cope with the heat.
It means heatwave conditions are likely to continue for several more days in places, probably reaching a total duration of two weeks in a few locations. The prolonged nature of this heatwave can lead to increased stress on power grids and water supplies, as well as heightened health risks for vulnerable populations.
Northerly winds should bring slightly lower temperatures by the weekend - albeit still above the seasonal norm, with a chance that heatwave thresholds could still be met in the south. The variability in temperature and the potential for sudden changes in weather conditions highlight the importance of ongoing weather monitoring and public awareness campaigns.
As the UK navigates these extreme weather conditions, the implications for agriculture, water supply, and public health are becoming increasingly significant. Authorities are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges posed by this prolonged heatwave and lack of rainfall.
Residents can keep an eye on the forecast highs where they are - as well as the all-important chance of rain - by checking the BBC Weather app. Staying informed about weather conditions can help individuals and communities better prepare for the impacts of extreme weather events.
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