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UK weather: Prolonged dry, hot spell could lead to driest May since 1896

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As the UK continues to bake in above-average temperatures, this May could be the country’s driest since 1896, as just 31.5mm of rain has fallen this month.

Parks, heaths and lawns in much of the country desperate for a drink of water may be left parched as much of the country basks in sunny, dry conditions expected to last until the end of the month.

Some patches of rain are expected to fall in north-western UK, including across western Scotland later this afternoon, but things will be largely dry throughout the country this week.

Between the start of the month till 25 May, the UK has seen just 45 per cent of its monthly rainfall and 103 per cent of its sunshine, said Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna.

“The dry weather is more striking in England, which only saw 16 per cent of its monthly rainfall compared to average and 116 per cent of its sunshine,” he told The Independent.

“There are still several days of May to go, but it’s certainly been much drier and sunnier than normal, following on from a pretty dry April. Not much rain is expected apart from some parts of northern Scotland.”

Temperatures could peak between 27C and 28C from Friday through Monday especially towards the west and northwest of England and parts of Wales.

“There are high levels of pollen and very high UV this week as well, as we are getting into grass pollen season,” added Mr Petagna.

Met Office forecaster Nicola Maxey told The Sun: “Chances are we are going to see the all-time record broken — making this month England’s driest May since 1896.”

As the mercury is expected to reach highs of 28C over the weekend, there are concerns that Britons will flock to beaches, parks and other beauty spots in droves even as the coronavirus lockdown is ongoing.

People are reminded to adhere to social distancing guidelines and to check the different lockdown rules in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland before making plans.

The forecast for early June has a “hint of more changeable weather”, said Mr Petagna, as the end of next week brings a greater chance of rain and temperatures are expected to come back down to average.