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Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Scotland braced for washout weekend as weeks of non-stop sunshine come to an end
After weeks of non-stop sun, Scotland is set to soak this weekend as the glorious dry spell finally comes to an end. No rain has fallen for weeks in some places north of the Border, however that is all set to end tomorrow (Sat) with a low pressure system returning things back to normal. But there is still one more day of sunny and bright weather to enjoy until the band of rain sweeps across the country and threatens to ruin weekend plans. Oli Claydon, of the Met Office, said: 'Rain is pushing eastwards across Scotland overnight Friday and into Saturday, and then that brings quite a change to the weather conditions with unsettled weather through the weekend and, indeed, through next week. 'The high pressure that we've had settled across the UK for quite some time is getting displaced by low pressure moving in from the west which is then going to open the door to rainfall and, at times, some breezy conditions. 'I think it will be pretty welcome for many people, including some farmers and gardeners out there looking at some pretty parched gardens and agricultural fields.' With the clear blue skies of late and with nine days left to go until the official start of summer it has already been Scotland's sunniest spring ever. Met Office figures show that this season has enjoyed more than 520 hours of sunshine, beating the last record set in 2020 and far above the normal spring total of around 421 hours. But it has been perilously dry - with the least rainfall between January and May since the 1960s and barely any recorded so-far this month. Since the start of spring there has been just 127.2mm of rainfall on average in Scotland, less than half the usual amount, and since the beginning of May just 3.2mm. Meanwhile, in Leuchars, Fife, the Met Office has not recorded any rainfall since April 18 - a record which will change at the weekend. Amid the unprecedented dry spell, Scot have been urged to use less water and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has imposed a series of warnings. And, despite the forecast rain of between 30 and 50mm over the weekend to bump readings up, water levels are not expected to be replenished. Eilidh Johnston, the environmental watchdog's senior manager in water industry and rural economy, said: 'Some of Scotland's most iconic rivers are at record lows, and the environmental impacts are clear. 'A few days of rain will not undo months of drier than average weather. 'We will need well above average rainfall over a sustained period to see any recovery, especially in the east. 'It has been the driest start to a year in Scotland since 1964. 'Fife has had no significant rain for over a month, and ground water levels are some of the lowest on record for the time of year. 'So, we're seeing some quite significant issues coming.' Yesterday Sepa bumped even more river catchment areas to their moderate warning level, bringing the total to 17. It comes as the River Tilt in Tayside is at its lowest flow in 34 years of records, and the River Spey has seen its lowest flow since records began there in 1953.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
Exact date 850-mile wall of rain will batter Scotland as weather maps show downpour moving in
The UK has been basking in more balmy conditions this week but heavy rain is set to move in soon Scotland is revelling in the scorching heat and sunshine that has been beating down on us pretty much since the start of May. The country recorded the hottest day of the year so far in South Ayrshire on Tuesday (May 13). Spots like Tyndrum and Fort William have also lapped up the blazing temperatures, with the latter set to hit 26C next week. However, new weather charts have indicated that the sunny spell will soon come to an abrupt end. The UK is set to be hit by an 850-mile rain wall, weather charts suggests. So far this spring, the UK has seen 80.6mm of rainfall, nearly 20mm less than the record low for the entire season of 100.7mm established in 1852. The Met Office say it's too early to predict how the spring (March, April and May) will rank overall, but that the high pressure bringing dry and warm conditions seems likely to continue throughout this week and into the weekend. However, the national weather service has suggested that variable conditions could arrive at the end of next week, specifically on Friday, May 23. This aligns with maps from WXCharts which hint at a potential downpour accompanied by a drop in temperatures. The charts suggest that the UK could face heavy rain on Friday, May 23, with a band of rain stretching across the UK, from Land's End in Cornwall to the North Sea. Forecasters anticipate up to 5mm of rain per hour in some areas. The Scottish Highlands expected to be the most affected region. The heaviest showers are predicted to occur at 12am on May 23, with the rain band first impacting the western regions of the UK, including Scotland, Belfast, and west Wales, reports the Mirror. At present, Scotland is set to experience rainfall measuring between 3mm and 5mm an hour. Over in Northern Ireland, the downpour will happen at a rate of 2mm per hour. Come early morning, the deluge of rain is expected to move eastwards, engulfing prominent English cities by 6am. Places like Cardiff, Birmingham, and Newcastle are forecast to receive around 1mm of rain per hour at that time. And according to Met Office spokesperson Oli Claydon: "At the moment, the indications are that as we move towards the end of next week, we could start to see some more changeable conditions moving in from the west, which would bring some fresh temperatures and potentially something in the way of measurable rain. "There are a couple of spells where we might see some very light showers at times in places over the next week, but nothing meaningful. And obviously sectors such as agriculture are really looking now for some meaningful rain." A WX Charts map indicates that temperatures could plunge to as low as 9C in London come noon on May 23, whereas Birmingham might chill to 8C and Manchester could find itself at 10C. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The Met Office's outlook for May 14-28 reveals: "Most of the UK will be fine with sunny spells during the first half of this period. A few showers are possible in the southeast at first but otherwise the majority of places will be dry. "Temperatures are likely to be above normal for the time of year. Into the bank holiday weekend and following week, a change in weather type is expected. "More unsettled conditions are likely to develop, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic. This will bring spells of rain to many areas, perhaps heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places. Some drier and brighter intervals are likely between systems. Temperatures will probably be near normal or slightly above."
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
New weather maps show exact date 850-mile wall of rain will pelt Britain
The UK is enjoying balmy weather with temperatures hitting the mid-20Cs but charts show that heavy rain is in store later this month which will batter the country New weather maps show that the UK could be faced with an 850-mile wall of rain bringing an abrupt end to the blue skies and glorious sunshine. This week Brits have been enjoying more balmy conditions, which have only been interrupted by brief thunderstorms, and the driest spring so far in more than a century is continuing over the coming days, the Met Office said. So far this spring, 80.6mm of rain has been recorded for the UK, nearly 20mm less than the record low for the full season of 100.7mm set in 1852. With more than two weeks of May left, the Met Office said it is too early to say how spring (March, April and May) as a whole will rank, but added that the high pressure bringing dry and warm conditions looks set to persist through this week and into the weekend. But the national weather service has said that changeable conditions could arrive at the end of the next week. And this backs up maps from WXCharts which suggest we could see a deluge with temperatures also dropping. Maps show that the UK could be battered by downpours on Friday, May 23, with a band of rain spanning across the UK, from Land's End in Cornwall to the North Sea. Forecasters expect up to 5mm of rain to fall per hour in some areas and the Scottish Highlands will be the worst affected region. The heaviest showers are expected to arrive at 12am on May 23 with the band of rain first hitting western areas of the UK, including west Wales, Belfast and Scotland. At this time, between 3mm and 5mm of rain will fall per hour in parts of Scotland. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland will be hit by rain falling at a rate of 2mm per hour. The wall of rain will then shift east and hit major English cities by 6am. Forecasters expect Plymouth, Cardiff, Birmingham and Newcastle to see up to 1mm of rain fall per hour at this time. And Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: 'At the moment, the indications are that as we move towards the end of next week, we could start to see some more changeable conditions moving in from the west, which would bring some fresh temperatures and potentially something in the way of measurable rain. 'There are a couple of spells where we might see some very light showers at times in places over the next week or so, but nothing meaningful. And obviously sectors such as agriculture are really looking now for some meaningful rain.' A map from WX Charts shows the mercury dropping as low as 9C in London at 12pm on May 23, while it will be 8C in Birmingham and 10C in Manchester at the same time. And the Met Office forecast for May 14-28 states: "Most of the UK will be fine with sunny spells during the first half of this period. A few showers are possible in the southeast at first but otherwise the majority of places will be dry. Temperatures are likely to be above normal for the time of year. Into the bank holiday weekend and following week, a change in weather type is expected. "More unsettled conditions are likely to develop, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic. This will bring spells of rain to many areas, perhaps heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places. Some drier and brighter intervals are likely between systems. Temperatures will probably be near normal or slightly above."
North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Climate
- North Wales Chronicle
Driest spring in over 100 years continues as farmers hope for ‘meaningful' rain
So far this spring, 80.6mm of rain has been recorded for the UK, nearly 20mm less than the record low for the full season of 100.7mm set in 1852. With more than two weeks of May left, the Met Office said it is too early to say how spring (March, April and May) as a whole will rank, but added that the high pressure bringing dry and warm conditions looks set to persist through this week and into the weekend. As we move through May, Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a contender for the record books, particularly when it comes to temperature, rainfall, and sunshine 🌡️🌂☀️ We take a look at what the spring stats are saying so far… 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) May 14, 2025 The national weather service said on Wednesday that changeable conditions could arrive at the end of the next week. 'At the moment, the indications are that as we move towards the end of next week, we could start to see some more changeable conditions moving in from the west, which would bring some fresh temperatures and potentially something in the way of measurable rain,' Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon told the PA news agency. 'There are a couple of spells where we might see some very light showers at times in places over the next week or so, but nothing meaningful. 'And obviously sectors such as agriculture are really looking now for some meaningful rain.' Rachel Hallos, vice president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said: 'The lack of any substantial rain over the past few weeks is starting to raise a few concerns although the picture across farming sectors is mixed. It's been an exceptionally dry, sunny and warm May so far but there is now a sign of a change by the end of May. Here's Aidan with the 10 day weather forecast 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) May 14, 2025 'Farmers in some parts of the country have started irrigating much earlier than normal, but thankfully reservoirs are full following the wet autumn and winter and there are good stores of groundwater. 'The extreme weather patterns we now regularly experience are impacting our ability to feed the nation. As we highlight in the NFU Blueprints for Growth, the Government needs to recognise water for food production. 'This should include access to water in times of shortage to be secured through policies that support investment in water storage and water-use efficiency on farms, plus support for innovation in more water efficient crops and farming systems.' The Environment Agency has warned of a 'medium' risk of drought in England this summer without sustained rainfall. The Met Office said the driver for the prolonged warm and very dry spell has been high pressure. Mr Claydon said: 'It has been what's called a blocking high, which is when an area of high pressure becomes established and then essentially reinforces itself and bats away areas of low pressure, which would traditionally bring us more changeable conditions – fresher temperatures, for example, more spells of cloud and rain. 'Essentially we've had fairly blocked high pressure, really from February.' Temperatures are hovering around the May average high of 17.1C in the east and north east of England because of onshore breeze and building cloud, the Met Office said, but are a little above the average elsewhere in the UK. The temperatures fall some way short of the record high for this month of 32.8C, recorded in Regent's Park on May 29 1944. Responding to farmers' concerns, a Government spokesperson said: 'Our water infrastructure is crumbling after years of underinvestment, with population growth and climate change adding further strain. 'We are monitoring water levels and expect water companies to cut leaks and take action to protect supplies. 'Over £104 billion of private sector investment has been secured to fund essential infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs, to help secure our future water supply for farmers.'
Glasgow Times
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Driest spring in over 100 years continues as farmers hope for ‘meaningful' rain
So far this spring, 80.6mm of rain has been recorded for the UK, nearly 20mm less than the record low for the full season of 100.7mm set in 1852. With more than two weeks of May left, the Met Office said it is too early to say how spring (March, April and May) as a whole will rank, but added that the high pressure bringing dry and warm conditions looks set to persist through this week and into the weekend. As we move through May, Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a contender for the record books, particularly when it comes to temperature, rainfall, and sunshine 🌡️🌂☀️ We take a look at what the spring stats are saying so far… 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) May 14, 2025 The national weather service said on Wednesday that changeable conditions could arrive at the end of the next week. 'At the moment, the indications are that as we move towards the end of next week, we could start to see some more changeable conditions moving in from the west, which would bring some fresh temperatures and potentially something in the way of measurable rain,' Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon told the PA news agency. 'There are a couple of spells where we might see some very light showers at times in places over the next week or so, but nothing meaningful. 'And obviously sectors such as agriculture are really looking now for some meaningful rain.' Rachel Hallos, vice president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said: 'The lack of any substantial rain over the past few weeks is starting to raise a few concerns although the picture across farming sectors is mixed. It's been an exceptionally dry, sunny and warm May so far but there is now a sign of a change by the end of May. Here's Aidan with the 10 day weather forecast 👇 — Met Office (@metoffice) May 14, 2025 'Farmers in some parts of the country have started irrigating much earlier than normal, but thankfully reservoirs are full following the wet autumn and winter and there are good stores of groundwater. 'The extreme weather patterns we now regularly experience are impacting our ability to feed the nation. As we highlight in the NFU Blueprints for Growth, the Government needs to recognise water for food production. 'This should include access to water in times of shortage to be secured through policies that support investment in water storage and water-use efficiency on farms, plus support for innovation in more water efficient crops and farming systems.' The Environment Agency has warned of a 'medium' risk of drought in England this summer without sustained rainfall. The Met Office said the driver for the prolonged warm and very dry spell has been high pressure. The driest spring so far in over a century is set to continue into next week (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Mr Claydon said: 'It has been what's called a blocking high, which is when an area of high pressure becomes established and then essentially reinforces itself and bats away areas of low pressure, which would traditionally bring us more changeable conditions – fresher temperatures, for example, more spells of cloud and rain. 'Essentially we've had fairly blocked high pressure, really from February.' Temperatures are hovering around the May average high of 17.1C in the east and north east of England because of onshore breeze and building cloud, the Met Office said, but are a little above the average elsewhere in the UK. The temperatures fall some way short of the record high for this month of 32.8C, recorded in Regent's Park on May 29 1944. Responding to farmers' concerns, a Government spokesperson said: 'Our water infrastructure is crumbling after years of underinvestment, with population growth and climate change adding further strain. 'We are monitoring water levels and expect water companies to cut leaks and take action to protect supplies. 'Over £104 billion of private sector investment has been secured to fund essential infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs, to help secure our future water supply for farmers.'
