Key facts
- The UK is expecting 'meaningful rain' in drought-stricken regions, potentially causing flooding.
- Showers are anticipated across the North on Tuesday and spreading to the Midlands and South.
- Heavy showers are forecast for Thursday, with a risk of surface water flooding.
- The dry ground's reduced absorption capacity is a key factor in flood risk.
- The upcoming rainfall is unlikely to fully alleviate long-term precipitation deficits.
- Several regions are under hosepipe bans, affecting millions of customers.
The UK is anticipating significant rainfall in drought-affected areas, which could provide some relief from prolonged dry spells and heatwaves. However, the Met Office has issued warnings for potential surface water flooding due to the intensity of the expected showers and the hard, dry ground's inability to absorb water quickly.
Showers are expected to begin in the North on Tuesday, with rain moving into the Midlands and South by evening. More substantial rainfall is forecast for Thursday, though some areas may miss the heaviest downpours. Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mike Silverstone noted that while this rain is the first 'meaningful' precipitation in a long time, it will not be enough to fully reverse weeks of below-average rainfall.
Several regions are already experiencing water restrictions. Wessex Water implemented a hosepipe ban affecting 1.4 million customers in Bath, Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire, marking the first such ban since 1976. This brings the total number of people in England under hosepipe restrictions to over 27 million. Thames Water, the country's largest supplier, has urged continued conservation, reporting minimal rainfall in July and increased daily water usage by customers, despite recent reductions following their own ban.