UK weather is set to turn cooler with rain

UK weather patterns are set to change following a record-breaking summer of extreme heat and prolonged dry weather.

Wisley in Surrey has recorded 60 consecutive days without rainfall.Significant rain has also been lacking in other regions. Most areas across England and Wales remain in official drought conditions.

Welcome rain is forecast for the coming week. However, the precipitation is not expected to be significant enough to end the dry conditions.

Temperatures will also turn noticeably cooler over the next few days. Daytime highs across the UK are expected to drop below the seasonal average.

High pressure has dominated the UK weather system throughout the summer. This setup created persistent hot and dry conditions, particularly for England and Wales.

Southern England has gone without significant rain for nearly two months. This extended dry spell caused river levels and reservoir reserves to drop significantly.

Low pressure will replace high pressure this week, bringing more unsettled conditions. Light rain is likely to begin on Monday, mainly affecting northern parts of the UK.

Rain will turn heavier on Tuesday and Wednesday as the weather system moves into southern England.

Rainfall in the south may become showery, leaving the exact location and distribution of precipitation uncertain.While any rainfall is welcome, it will not bring major relief to the drought.

Experts note that the UK will need weeks of above-average rainfall running into the autumn to resolve the moisture deficit.

The incoming weather change will benefit emergency services fighting wildfires. Forecasts from Natural England and the Met Office show the fire severity index dropping to low or moderate levels.