Parts of the UK could see almost an entire month’s rain this weekend – while southern Europe experiences a scorching heatwave.
Forecasters say hilly areas of northern England and Northern Ireland, as well as southern areas of Scotland and Wales, could see up to 80mm of rain from Saturday.
A typical month’s rainfall in July in the UK is 88mm.
The Met Office is forecasting “persistent rain, heavy at times” from Saturday onwards, as the UK’s wet July continues.
The wet weather is a stark contrast to southern Europe, which is in the midst of a blistering heatwave, with temperatures reaching 40C in parts of Italy and Greece.
The UK is on the other side of the jet stream causing the heatwave in Europe, bringing areas of low pressure and unsettled weather.
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A map showing the approaching rain
Forecasters say that, while the jet stream is “stuck” in its current pattern, neither the heatwave in Europe nor the unsettled weather in the UK are likely to change in the short-term.
Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson says: “Low pressure will once again dominate the UK and Ireland weather this weekend, bringing spells of heavy rain with strong winds in places.
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“Rain will build up, with west Wales and the South West of England seeing 35 to 40mm in 24 hours, locally up to 80mm on the Welsh hills.
“Northern England, southern Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland will see heavy rain too, with up to 80mm in 48 hours possible on the hills from Saturday.
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Map shows heatwave across Europe this week
“Some areas have already seen 1.5 times their normal July rainfall.”
On expected winds, she added: “The strongest winds will be across southern Britain, with coastal gales possible, but perhaps not quite as windy as last weekend. It will often be cool.”
As for the rest of the month, prolonged outbreaks of rain and showers are possible for most, according to the Met Office.
High pressure is expected to move in from the southwest of the UK later this month, reducing the chance of rain in those areas, but the Met Office expects temperatures to “remain close to slightly below average for most of the period”.