- England is experiencing a severe 'flash drought' , with half the nation officially declared as such, following a series of sweltering heatwaves that saw temperatures exceed 35C on Wednesday for the seventh time this year, making July potentially the driest month on record.
- A significant change is anticipated from the end of the week, with the Met Office forecasting a distinct north-south weather divide across the UK today.
- The north will see persistent showers, becoming widespread and locally heavy, with isolated thunderstorms in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Conversely, the south enjoys dry, sunny spells as patchy cloud clears in the southeast. It will be cool in the northwest, with fresher conditions elsewhere.
- The forecast for the weekend suggests Saturday will be mostly dry with sunny spells, though the far north faces heavy showers, potential thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures, contrasting with local warmth in the south.
- Sunday to Tuesday looks largely dry and bright. Showers are mainly in the far north Sunday, with rain possibly affecting northern areas later, as the south retains warmer, sunny spells.
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