London is experiencing its longest dry spell since 2018 as a period of record-breaking heat drags on.
With the exception of a small flurry of showers on July 5, the capital hasn’t seen a proper downpour in 23 days, stretching back to June 27.
Some parts of London have been hit with a hosepipe ban as water companies keep a close eye on resources, while the London Fire Brigade has issued multiple warnings about wildfire risks.
Gardens, parks, and open spaces have all been turned to tinder-boxes, prompting a spate of wildfires in the capital amid the dry conditions.
There was some reprieve on the weekend as temperatures dropped off to around 24C on Saturday, but with more sunshine on the horizon, there is one question on the lips of every Londoner: When is it going to rain again?
What’s the forecast for this week?
The mercury is set to rise once again after a marginally cooler weekend, with daily highs of around 26C forecast for much of this week, according to BBC Weather.
As of 2pm on Monday, the temperature is rise to 27C by Wednesday, but Friday will be the warmest day as temperatures edge 29C.
Still, not a drop of rain is forecast in the capital until at least Friday when BBC Weather is forecasting a drizzly weekend, with three days of scattered showers.
That said, the light shower might not be the downpour that the capital has been waiting for.
However, the Met Office is forecasting another dry day on Sunday, meaning that the capital could go as long as 21 days without rain.
An average of zero rainfall has been measured across the organisation’s weather stations in central and south-east England for 14 days in a row from July 2 to July 15, according to the latest data.
This is the longest unbroken run of days with no rain for south-east England since a 15-day spell in April 1997.
Will there be a change in the weather?
The Met Office’s seven-day view shows little change to the dry and sunny weather conditions.
Londoners will see more sunshine and temperatures in the high twenties for at least the next week.
The BBC forecast gives a longer two-week view, but with the exception of a potential drizzle on Sunday, the capital could go without a proper downpour until August.
This would mean the capital could go as long as a month without rain.
Temperatures are set to stay in the high twenties with a potential fourth heatwave on the way.
Scientists continue to warn that the country’s weather is changing as human-driven climate change disrupts global rainfall patterns and leads to increasingly conditions.
After successive heatwaves and a record warm spring for England and Wales, vegetation has also become increasingly dry, meaning even a single spark can quickly develop into a fast-moving wildfire, the NFCC said, adding the risk of further significant incidents remains for the coming weeks.
The NFCC is calling on people to avoid using disposable barbecues where possible, dispose of cigarettes safely, and take litter home or use the bins provided.
“Parents and carers can also help by talking to children and young people about fire safety and the importance of respecting the outdoors,” an NFCC spokesperson said.
“Most wildfires are preventable. By making simple, responsible choices, we can all help protect our communities, wildlife, and natural spaces, while easing the pressure on firefighters who have already worked tirelessly to keep people safe this summer.”
