Brits are set to see temperatures climb up over the coming days and lead to a scorching 29C on Sunday.
There will be plenty of showers moving in from the Atlantic but they are unlikely to bring many heavy downpours and are set to miss the areas that most need the rain in the south and south east.
The latest data revealed there had only been 15.8mm of rain averaged across the country, just 24% of the amount that would be expected on average.
The Met Office said that at this stage in the month - up to July 26 - the country would have expected well over three-quarters of the month's rain to have already fallen.
It comes after the UK recorded temperatures exceeding 40C for the first time last week and led to health warnings.
This week it has started a lot fresher with below average temperatures but it will warm up from now into the weekend and it is expected to be just shy of 30C on Sunday.
Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: “Over the next few days apart from a few showers most places will by dry and warm. However, into the weekend it warms up further across more southern and eastern areas whereas to the north and west fresher with outbreaks of rain.”
Looking at today, it is expected to be fine for most of the country with temperatures in the 20Cs.
"A milder start to the day come Thursday morning and bright for most as well as dry," said Ms Nasir.
"However let’s pick up on this showery rain across northern England, southern Scotland, just coming and going sporadic in nature but some showers developing through the afternoon, they will be slow moving and they could even turn out to be heavy.
"Elsewhere a few showers likely, most places dry and we will see a mix of cloud as well as sun, so a fine afternoon, a bright one with some sunshine coming through allowing temperatures to rise very nicely. Feeling warm in that sunshine, a pleasant afternoon for Shetland as well as Orkney, temperatures further south 20-22C, 24C for southern parts of Wales, 25C for London and the home counties."
It is a similar story for Friday while into the weekend more rain is likely to come in from the north west but temperatures are also expected to rise.
UK forecast for the next 5 days
Scattered showers today, but plenty of fine, fairly warm weather.
Today:
Rather cloudy across parts of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland with early rain in places, giving way to scattered showers, some heavy. Elsewhere, mostly dry with some warm sunny spells, but a few showers in the west. Light winds.
Tonight:
Showers easing but some rain probably continuing at times across northern England and southern Scotland. Rather cloudy in the southeast too, clearer in parts of the west, where fairly cool.
Friday:
Many areas dry with bright or sunny spells, although some cloudier interludes too. Scattered showers are possible in some northern areas. Light winds, contributing to a warm feel for many.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Rain crossing northern regions Saturday, reaching some central and southern areas by Sunday before the south brightens again on Monday. The south warm and humid, trending nearer normal further north.
