UK Braces for Rain Amidst Severe Drought and Wildfire Crisis
Temperatures set to drop as hosepipe bans affect millions across England and Wales, following record dry conditions.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
The UK faces a dramatic shift in weather, with rain and thunderstorms forecast to arrive amidst severe drought conditions.
Around 23 million people remain under a hosepipe ban despite the anticipated rainfall. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has reportedly faced unprecedented demand during the recent period of intense heat and dryness.
The service declared a major incident due to the number of communities affected across the region, with smoke visible for miles. It has requested military support to help with the response.
A yellow heat health alert is understood to be extended until Tuesday morning for London, the South East, and the South West. Wisley in Surrey has reportedly recorded 60 consecutive days with no rainfall.
Parts of West Sussex, the Isle of Wight, and areas in Hampshire experienced 59 consecutive dry days. England experienced its driest July on record, with many areas receiving less than 1mm of rainfall this month.
July saw only 10% of average rainfall, and August recorded 6%. Thames Water reported zero rain in north London and 1mm in areas south of the river.
London has reportedly experienced its fifth heatwave of 2026, with temperatures dropping to a maximum of 26C over the weekend after highs of 38C and 34C on Thursday and Friday. The Met Office forecasts temperatures to gradually reduce to around 20C by Saturday, August 22.
A large section of a pond in Wanstead Park has reportedly dried up. The government sent an emergency wildfire alert to mobile phones in England and Wales on Friday.
It has temporarily banned the sale of disposable barbecues due to their link to wildfires. The fire severity index is predicted to decrease to low or moderate levels due to the expected rainfall.