UK weather: Dry spell set to end for many as forecast shows rain ahead

Parched gardens and parks are set for a spot of relief in the coming days with rain moving into some drought-threatened areas.

Central and South East England have had the longest unbroken spell of no recorded rainfall this century, according to the Met Office.

Some areas, such as Wisley, Surrey, haven't had rain for over five weeks.

As of 15 July, England and Wales had only recorded 34% of their average summer rainfall - most of that at the start of June.

The conditions have seen reservoirs running low and millions of people subject to a hosepipe ban.

Barren conditions have also helped spark wildfires in areas including Greater Manchester, the Cairngorms, and North and South Wales.

However, a change is on the way this weekend: rain is forecast on both days but it won't be prolonged or heavy in most areas.

Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson says it will move in from the North West on Saturday, reaching the South East later in the day.

"Most areas should catch some rain, but it will only be a few millimetres in the South, where rain is desperately needed," she says.

"Northwest Scotland - where it's already been quite wet - will see the most, up to 25mm."

Showers are also expected on Sunday, but Ms Robinson says they will be concentrated in the east, where heavy downpours are possible.

See the Sky News forecast for your area

Temperature-wise, it will turn cooler over the weekend but still be hot for some - 30C is possible in the London area on Saturday.

But heatwave conditions will finally break in the South West, ending an 18-day spell in places such as Exeter and Usk, near Newport.

"Temperatures will return closer to average on Sunday, ranging from the low to mid-twenties in the South, to the mid-to-high teens in the North," Ms Robinson says.

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Next week, a north-south split is expected.

Northern parts will see bands of rain, while southern areas will be largely dry again, with temperatures back into the high twenties for some.

More heatwaves could also occur in August, with long-range computer models suggesting a further lack of rain.

Parts of southern, central and eastern England recently moved a step closer to drought status, according to the National Drought Group.

More than 10 million people in the Thames Water area are also now under a hosepipe ban due to the dry spell and a surge in demand during the heatwaves.

It means people mustn't use one for tasks such as watering gardens, cleaning cars, or filling paddling pools.

However, buckets and watering cans are still allowed.

Bans are also in place for Southern Water customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Cambridge Water customers, Affinity Water customers in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Surrey, and Anglian Water customers in the East of England.

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