Weather and climate change

Headline:

Bands of rain and thunderstorms affecting many.

This Evening and Tonight:

Rain continues to affect Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight, whilst further heavy showers spread into the south, Drier with clear spells across Wales and central England. Feeling fresher in the south, but remaining rather muggy for northern areas.

Monday:

Another cloudy, damp start, particularly for the southeast and across Northern Ireland. Brighter elsewhere, though showers soon return; heavy, thundery, and with a risk of hail by the afternoon.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Sunny spells and scattered showers remain the theme this week as low pressure continues to bring unsettled conditions. Less showers, more sunshine by Thursday, with temperatures around the seasonal average.

Updated: 17:00 (UTC+1) on Sun 20 Jul 2025

By the weekend, a weather regime dominated by westerly winds is likely to become established. While showers or longer spells of rain will remain possible for all parts of the country, the focus of wet weather is expected to be across the west and northwest, especially over hills where rain could be prolonged. The highest chance of drier and sunnier weather can be expected to the east of hills, and across southern and eastern areas, and maybe later in the period if high pressure tries to build into the southwest. It will be breezy at times, especially in further north. Temperatures are most likely to be near to average for the time of year, with only a small chance of hot spells during late July and the start of August.

Updated: 15:00 (UTC+1) on Sun 20 Jul 2025

A changeable pattern will likely continue through into the start of August, with spells of rain or showers mixed in with some drier, brighter days. There are signs that high pressure to the southwest may try to extend its influence across the UK, which could bring more in the way of dry, settled weather as we head further into August. Temperatures will likely continue to be near or above average overall, with a continuing chance of some very warm or hot spells, especially in the south and east, if high pressure wins out for a decent stretch of time.

Updated: 16:00 (UTC+1) on Sun 20 Jul 2025