Rain to stop in time for weekend as sun returns
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- High pressure is building across the UK, bringing drier weather and sunny spells for Saturday and Sunday after heavy downpours earlier in the week caused localised flash flooding
- Friday will still see heavy showers, particularly thundery ones in England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland stay mostly dry and brisk northerly winds make coasts feel cool
- Friday night temperatures could fall to 3-4C in rural Scotland and northern England — the source describes this as 'notably chilly' and 'a shock to the system'
- Sunday daytime highs will range from 16-20C in Scotland and Northern Ireland to 19-25C in England and Wales, around or just above seasonal norms
- If UK temperatures fail to reach 25C anywhere — as looks likely — it will be the first time since 29 June that has happened, according to the source
- The National Drought Group announced on Thursday it will begin meeting weekly instead of monthly to coordinate the drought response
- Over two-thirds of England and all of Wales remain in drought; officials say the situation is still intensifying despite this week's rain, and drought cannot be declared over until months of sustained rainfall replenish reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater stocks
Why it matters: The National Drought Group's shift to weekly meetings signals that this week's rainfall is insufficient to reverse conditions across over two-thirds of England and all of Wales. The forecast's first sub-25C UK day since 29 June marks a meteorological turn, but officials warn drought declarations cannot lift until months of sustained rainfall replenish reservoirs and groundwater — meaning short-term showers offer no near-term relief.
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