The UK is basking in its third heatwave of the year, but new weather maps have revealed when this could come to an end as rain hammers the country. The maps from WXCHARTS, which uses MetDesk data, show a return of unsettled conditions towards the end of the month.
On July 26, major downpours are forecast to drench practically the whole of England, with just small parts of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Hampshire missing out. The maps show an enormous wall of rain stretching from Cumbria in the North West to Cornwall in the South West – a whopping 390 miles.
The worst-affected areas are expected to be in South West England, such as Cornwall and Devon, as the weather pattern appears to be moving eastward.
Devon and Cornwall could see up to 7.5mm/hr of rain by midday on July 26. Localised parts of South Wales, Cumbria, Durham, and Northumberland could also reach this level.
It reads: “Changeable weather patterns are expected during this period. Showers or some longer spells of rain are likely at times, perhaps heavy and thundery.
“Some drier and brighter interludes are also possible, especially in the south and southeast. Temperatures are likely to be above normal with some hot spells possible.”
Deputy Chief Forecaster David Hayter said: “The main exception to the largely dry and sunny conditions is northern Scotland, where a cold front is bringing rain, cloud and some heavy downpours on Friday.
“But conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.
“There is a possible increase in thunderstorms from Monday in parts of the south, however most areas will remain dry, sunny and very warm into the coming week.”