The Met Office has pinpointed 22 regions that are set to encounter heavy rainfall over the upcoming weekend, signaling the end of the recent hot weather. A low-pressure system is forecasted to move eastward across the country, leading to a drop in temperatures. While temperatures soared to 28.6C in Pershore, Worcestershire, on Monday, they are expected to plummet to around 16C or 17C by Sunday afternoon.

The heaviest downpours are anticipated in northern England during daylight hours on Sunday, with the rain persisting in the East of England later in the evening. Showers are also likely in other areas, including the Midlands. The rainfall is welcomed after a notably dry June and July, with over 18 million individuals facing water restrictions due to a hosepipe ban.

The Met Office describes these weather fluctuations as the “new normal.” Mike Kendon, a climate information scientist at the Met Office, revealed that 2025 was the warmest year on record in the UK, marking the sixth time this record has been broken in the 21st Century. The trend suggests that the record could be broken again in the coming years, given the steady warming of approximately 0.25°C per decade since the 1980s.

The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist into the following week, with rain projected for Monday, particularly in northwest Scotland. Temperatures are not anticipated to reach the levels seen in recent weeks, with Friday recording highs of 31.3C in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, and 30.8C in Usk, Monmouthshire.

Looking ahead, the national weather service forecasts a changeable period with a mix of sunny spells and occasional rain across many regions. While northwestern areas are likely to experience more rainfall, southeastern regions may also see some showers. The service hints at the possibility of high pressure returning, bringing dry conditions, especially in the south.

Temperatures are expected to be near or above normal, with warmer conditions in the south and a potential return to very warm weather at the start of August. Cloudy skies with light rain are anticipated in the north tonight, while Wednesday will see cool conditions and light showers in the far north, with sunny and warm weather elsewhere.

The outlook for Thursday to Saturday indicates settled conditions with patchy clouds and showers in the north, along with very warm temperatures in the south. Widespread rain is forecasted to move into the north on Saturday.