UK weather: Driest regions miss chance for rain ahead of next heatwave

Some of the driest regions of the UK have missed their chances for rain ahead of another heatwave beginning this week.

Parts of the northern and western UK saw some rainfall over the weekend, with further showers and unsettled conditions expected over the next few days.

But southern parts of the country – where the least amount of rain has fallen – are set to see temperatures climb once again, with more dry and sunny weather in the forecast.

It comes as parts of Wales have officially entered drought status, while parts of southern, central and eastern England remain in “prolonged dry weather”, the final stage before drought is declared.

The coming days will only exacerbate dry conditions as another heatwave is expected to be declared, with temperatures peaking around 35C (95F) in south-east England.

In advance of the high temperatures, heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The south-west, south-east, London, East of England, West and East Midlands and Yorkshire and The Humber are all under the alerts from 9:00 BST on Tuesday 28 July until 9:00 BST on Friday 31 July.

The UKHSA warns that heat is expected to cause minor impacts for health and social care services, with an increased risk to life for vulnerable people.