Heavy rain forecast will not reverse widespread drought conditions in UK

The Guardian UK Tuesday 18 August 2026, 13:44 UTC By Damien Gayle 1 min read

Key Points

Forecasters say intense showers might cause flooding as rain falls on dry, hard groundFloods and drought could hit the UK at the same time this week, with heavy rain forecast to fall on hard, parched soil. While some parts of the UK will have the “first meaningful rain for a long time” in the coming days, it will not reverse widespread drought conditions that have put pressure on wildlife, farmers, firefighters and water resources.

Forecasters say intense showers might cause flooding as rain falls on dry, hard ground

Floods and drought could hit the UK at the same time this week, with heavy rain forecast to fall on hard, parched soil.

While some parts of the UK will have the “first meaningful rain for a long time” in the coming days, it will not reverse widespread drought conditions that have put pressure on wildlife, farmers, firefighters and water resources.

UK (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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