Heavy showers are forecast across much of the UK this week, with temperatures dropping sharply after the country\u2019s fifth heatwave of the summer. The rain could also bring surface flooding where drought-hardened ground struggles to absorb sudden downpours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shift comes after temperatures reached 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday 13 August<\/strong>, the highest recorded in the UK so far this year. By Thursday 20 August, some areas could be more than 15C cooler than they were a week earlier, while temperatures in parts of the UK are expected to sit about 3C below the seasonal norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rain is returning after an exceptionally dry spell. At Wisley, Surrey<\/strong>, a Met Office weather station had gone 62 consecutive days without rainfall by Monday 17 August. The last rain measured there was just 0.4mm on 16 June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rain and showers were expected to move south from Northern Ireland and Scotland into England and Wales at the start of the week. Further rain<\/a> was then due to reach the South West before spreading east across southern England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Met Office<\/a> deputy chief forecaster Mike Silverstone said some parts of England and Wales would see the \u201cfirst meaningful rain for a long time\u201d<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fairly cloudy this afternoon but milky skies will give hazy sunshine at times\ud83c\udf25\ufe0f Heavy Showers Bring Surface Flooding Risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Showers are possible, chiefly in the northwest. These mostly light and drizzly but heavier ones are possible in western Scotland and much wetter in Orkney\ud83c\udf27\ufe0f
Breezier and fresher than yesterday. pic.twitter.com\/YQdBKRTALP<\/a><\/p>— Met Office (@metoffice) August 18, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>