London is set for another scorching week, with temperatures set to hit as high as 33C on Tuesday, July 1 and continue in the mid to late 20s throughout the week.
Many people have welcomed the sunshine and are preparing for a weekend in the sun, but it has also caused some worry, especially for gardeners, farmers, and anybody else who depends on consistent rainfall.
But why has it been so dry in London, and when will we get some rain to relieve the heat?
When will it rain in London?
While sunshine and dry weather is predicted throughout the beginning of the week in London, there is the expectation of some thundery rain in London and the south on Wednesday, according to the Met Office.
There’s also the chance of some lighter showers on Saturday, July 5, as temperatures start to drop to around 24C at the weekend.
If temperatures remain high next week, that will bring the chance of more thunderstorms, as the high-pressure conditions continue, with temperatures predicted to stay in the mid-20s or slightly above that for the next couple of weeks.
Why has it been so dry in London?
A continuous area of high pressure is dominating the skies, giving us both the hot weather we’re enjoying and the changeable conditions in the form of sporadic showers.
As descending air is brought in by high pressure systems, cloud formation is inhibited and rain is prevented. This specific system has developed into what meteorologists refer to as a "blocking high" a pattern that remains immobile and keeps other weather systems from approaching.
An increased jet stream, a high-altitude movement of swiftly moving air that typically aids in guiding weather systems, has strengthened this blocking high.
Prolonged dry spells like the one we are currently seeing can result from the jet stream becoming wavy or “meandering” which can trap high pressure in place.