UK Set for Rain and Cooler Temperatures After Record Summer Heat

After an exceptional summer of heatwaves, wildfires and prolonged drought, the UK's weather is set to shift this week, with rain and noticeably cooler temperatures on the way. The change comes as Wisley in Surrey has now recorded 60 consecutive days without any rainfall — and most of England and Wales are classified as being in drought.

High pressure has dominated the UK throughout the summer, producing the hot and dry conditions that caused water levels in rivers and reservoirs to drop significantly and led emergency services to battle numerous wildfires.

Some rain is expected on Monday, mostly in northern parts of the UK, before becoming heavier and spreading southward through Tuesday and Wednesday. However, forecasters warn the amount of rainfall will be modest and unlikely to make a significant dent in the drought conditions that have gripped the country for months.

"It will take weeks of above-average rainfall into the autumn to make any significant changes to the drought," BBC Weather presenter Simon King warned. The cooler, wetter pattern is, however, expected to offer some relief to emergency services still tackling fires across Wales and other areas hit by the extended dry spell.