Little rain on the horizon as England and Wales experience driest July on record

England received only 10% of its average July rainfall and some areas may just get the odd shower for rest of August

England has experienced its driest July since records began in 1836, receiving only 6.5mm of rainfall – 10% of the country’s long-term meteorological average for the month. Wales also experienced its driest-ever July, while Northern Ireland recorded it was its eighth driest. Scotland was the only country in the UK not to set new records but still received only 69% of its average rainfall for July compared with the long-term average. Southern England has faced the worst of the dry conditions with some areas, including the Sussex coast, receiving less than 0.2mm of rain in July. This has resulted in widespread low moisture content within the soil, enabling temperatures to reach the high 30s celsius.

Looking ahead, despite notable spells of rain in the north, parts of southern England may receive only the odd shower for the rest of August. Throughout summer, forecast models have hinted at more unsettled weather reaching the south-east of England at a 10-day range. However, as time edged closer the rain was largely been confined to north-western parts of Britain, failing to reach the south-east with any significance. With much uncertainty within forecast models, the risk of this dry period persisting is not out of the question.