Temperatures are tumbling – but will drought-hit areas finally see some rain?

After temperatures climbed above 35°C on Wednesday, a major change is under way. Cooler air is spreading southwards across the UK, but will drought-hit areas finally see the rain they desperately need?

The latest spell of hot weather reached its peak on Wednesday, with temperatures climbing to 35.2°C in Writtle, Essex. It marked another exceptionally hot day in what has already been a remarkable summer, with several temperature records having fallen in recent weeks.

Now, however, the weather pattern is changing. A cold front is moving southwards across the country, bringing lower temperatures and a fresher feel to many areas.

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Scotland and Northern Ireland have already seen the greatest change, with cooler air, cloud and outbreaks of rain replacing the recent heat.

Temperatures across many parts of England and Wales will also ease over the coming days, although conditions are expected to remain warm and largely dry in the south-east for a little longer.

The shift in the weather comes at a crucial time. More than half of England is now officially in drought, while parts of Wales are also experiencing exceptionally dry conditions after months of below-average rainfall.

Is the heatwave over?

Not quite.

Although the cold front is pushing steadily southwards, the heat will be slower to retreat from eastern and south-eastern parts of England. Temperatures could still reach the high twenties, with a few locations potentially recording 30°C before cooler conditions finally arrive.

A cold front will continue to push southwards over the

Original Record.

This archived record authored by ‘Helena Mottram’ at ‘METEORED (Your Weather)’ was recovered from data set:

https://www.yourweather.co.uk/news/forecasts/temperatures-are-tumbling-but-will-drought-hit-areas-finally-see-some-rain.html