Some parts of the UK are on course to go a month without any rainfall, as heatwave conditions continue.
Large swathes of England have so far recorded 0% of the rainfall they would normally expect in July.
Among the most extreme cases is Wisley in Surrey, which has recorded 26 consecutive days without any rainfall.
Other locations with extended dry spells include Herstmonceux in East Sussex, reporting 24 days without rain.
Several other areas have recorded 20 days of dry weather, including Cardington in Bedfordshire, Wittering in Cambridgeshire, Odiham in Hampshire, and Heathrow in London.
In a typical July, Wisley would expect to see 49.3mm of rain, while Odiham’s average is 50.8mm.
Much of England is currently experiencing 0% of its usual monthly rainfall.
Why has there been a lack of rainfall?
The lack of rain is being blamed on a dominant area of high pressure, which is forecasted to remain over the UK for at least another week—bringing hot, settled weather and little chance of significant rainfall.
A few showers and thunderstorms could develop in the far south of England and the Channel Islands, but these will be very isolated.
The dry conditions have raised concerns about wildfires.
There have already been blazes in Greater Manchester, Conwy, and Derbyshire, prompting warnings from Natural England of a "very high" or "exceptional" fire risk across much of England and Wales in the coming days.
Dry weather alone does not cause wildfires—an ignition source, such as a barbecue or a discarded cigarette, is also needed.
However, the prolonged dryness removes moisture from grass and scrubland, turning them into ideal fuel for fires to spread rapidly once lit.
What impacts has the lack of rainfall had?
More than eight million households in England are now under hosepipe bans.
Rainfall has also been well below normal in Wales and Northern Ireland, with most of Wales seeing less than 10%of its July average.
In Northern Ireland, the figure ranges from just 1% to 20%.
North-west Scotland is the exception, with most areas seeing at least 40% of their typical monthly rainfall so far.
Aultbea in the Highlands has already recorded 95% of its average rainfall.
Looking ahead, some computer models suggest the high-pressure system could persist into next week and possibly beyond, offering little hope of a return to more typical summer showers.
When will the heatwave end?
BBC Weather has indicated that cooler conditions may develop from Saturday, July 18, as northerly winds are expected to bring a drop in temperature.
However, forecasters say a sustained cooldown is far from certain, and temperatures could quickly rebound if high pressure returns.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree said there wouldn't be "a straightforward end to the warm weather".
Speaking last week, he said: "High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards.
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"This means that an easterly wind will become established in the South, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the South West.
“As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool.
"It will however, remain very warm – especially in the South West – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.
“The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week."
How long has your area gone without rainfall? Let us know in the comments.
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