Astha Saxena

The Met Office forecasts heavy, occasionally thundery rain across 12 areas of England and Scotland on Thursday, with yellow thunderstorm warnings covering parts of northern England and risks of flooding, temporary power loss and service disruption. Temperatures are expected to fall sharply from recent heatwave levels. The rain may offer some relief to drought-stricken regions, but the Environment Agency says prolonged and significant rainfall is needed to improve conditions. Drier, sunnier weather is expected over the weekend.

The Met Office forecasts persistent and potentially heavy rain across 29 areas of Scotland, England and Northern Ireland on Monday, with the heaviest bursts expected in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. Temperatures are expected to fall from recent highs, although southern England and Wales may become warmer and more humid, with possible showers or thunderstorms. The forecast comes as the Environment Agency reports drought conditions across large parts of central, eastern and southern England, raising the possibility of further water-use restrictions.