UK weather: Rain to stop in time for weekend as sun returns

The heavy downpours of the last few days brought some localised flash flooding but have not been enough to alleviate the ongoing drought situation.

On Thursday, the National Drought Group announced that it will begin meeting weekly – instead of monthly, as usual – to coordinate the ongoing response.

Over two-thirds of England is in drought – along with all of Wales – and officials say the situation is still intensifying despite this week’s rain.

Drought will only be declared as over once reservoirs, rivers and groundwater stocks are replenished. This will only happen after months of sustained, significant rainfall.

The outlook for the next few weeks looks rather mixed with rain set to return next week, but the ongoing chance of further hot spells during September.

There is a lot of uncertainty in the long-range forecast and you can keep up to date with your local prospects on the BBC Weather website and app.