Parts of the UK could see almost an entire month’s rain this weekend – while southern Europe experiences a scorching heatwave.

Forecasters say hilly areas of northern England and Northern Ireland, as well as southern areas of Scotland and Wales, could see up to 80mm of rain from Saturday.

A typical month’s rainfall in July in the UK is 88mm.

The Met Office is forecasting “persistent rain, heavy at times” from Saturday onwards, as the UK’s wet July continues.

The wet weather is a stark contrast to southern Europe, which is in the midst of a blistering heatwave, with temperatures reaching 40C in parts of Italy and Greece.

The UK is on the other side of the jet stream causing the heatwave in Europe, bringing areas of low pressure and unsettled weather.

‘Stuck’ jet stream could extend heatwave for weeks – follow latest weather updates

Forecasters say that, while the jet stream is “stuck” in its current pattern, neither the heatwave in Europe nor the unsettled weather in the UK are likely to change in the short-term.

Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson says: “Low pressure will once again dominate the UK and Ireland weather this weekend, bringing spells of heavy rain with strong winds in places.

Read more:
German businesses should consider ‘allowing staff to take siestas’
Wildfires tear through towns in Greece amid heatwave

“Rain will build up, with west Wales and the South West of England seeing 35 to 40mm in 24 hours, locally up to 80mm on the Welsh hills.

“Northern England, southern Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland will see heavy rain too, with up to 80mm in 48 hours possible on the hills from Saturday.

Get the latest 5-day forecast where you are here

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

“Some areas have already seen 1.5 times their normal July rainfall.”

On expected winds, she added: “The strongest winds will be across southern Britain, with coastal gales possible, but perhaps not quite as windy as last weekend. It will often be cool.”

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

As for the rest of the month, prolonged outbreaks of rain and showers are possible for most, according to the Met Office.

High pressure is expected to move in from the southwest of the UK later this month, reducing the chance of rain in those areas, but the Met Office expects temperatures to “remain close to slightly below average for most of the period”.

Related posts:

Lottery winner ‘took eyes off road when he tried to stop son screaming’ before fatal crash Ed Sheeran pays emotional tribute to Jamal Edwards Free lateral flow tests end in England this week – as COVID cases rise across most of UK Two men taken to hospital after being attacked by two ‘aggressive’ dogs on the loose ‘You are not alone’: Boris Johnson pens open letter to children of Ukraine Hospital health worker arrested on suspicion of poisoning infant who died Revealed: 12 steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting dementia Bringing cake to office as harmful as passive smoking, UK food watchdog says Baby donkey theft from farm in Hampshire leaves owner ‘devastated’ ‘Bubbly’ mum-of-four and man found dead in Huddersfield are named by police Prince Harry in legal row with Home Office over his security How Jack Grealish stole the show at Man City’s Treble celebrations