Heavy rain, flash floods, and thunderstorms are forecast for London in late July, but the August bank holiday weekend, marked by the Notting Hill Carnival, is expected to see comfortable temperatures of 26°C, according to weather expert Jim Dale from the British Weather Service.
Unsettled Weather Ahead
Jim Dale predicts that most of August will be unsettled, with temperatures hovering around 25°C and occasionally dropping below 20°C. He warned of a "spell of heavy rain, flash floods, and thunderstorms" hitting London next month, a stark contrast to the blistering heatwaves of early summer.
Met Office and BBC Forecasts
The Met Office’s long-range forecast also indicates bad weather during the latter part of July. It states: “Occasionally, this dry and warm weather could be interrupted by outbreaks of rain and stronger winds, which will be more probable in the north or west. As is typical for the time of year, there is a risk of heavy, thundery showers during any warm spells. The signal for predominantly settled weather becomes increasingly unclear towards the end of July.”
The BBC’s long-range forecast, covering July 20 to August 2, echoes this, suggesting rain or showers and scattered thunderstorms across much of the country, with temperatures becoming less warm but likely above or near average.
Current Heatwave
Despite the impending storms, London is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures set to peak at 33°C on Thursday, July 9, according to the Met Office. The rest of the week remains sunny: Friday 32°C, Saturday 30°C, Sunday 29°C, Monday 27°C, and Tuesday 27°C.
August Bank Holiday Outlook
For the August bank holiday weekend, Jim Dale predicts sunny and warm weather, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 26°C, ideal for the Notting Hill Carnival. This comes as a welcome relief after the predicted storms and unsettled conditions earlier in the month.
