England and Wales Record Driest July as Dry Spell Persists
England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, with minimal rainfall leading to extreme dryness and high temperatures. Forecasts suggest little relief in sight for southern England, while a potential tropical disturbance in the Atlantic could bring heavy rain to the Lesser Antilles. Meanwhile, India faces severe monsoon flooding and lightning-related fatalities.
England has recorded its driest July since records began in 1836, with only 6.5mm of rainfall-just 10% of the long-term average. Wales also faced its driest July on record, while Northern Ireland saw its eighth driest. Scotland avoided new records but still received only 69% of its typical rainfall for the month. Southern England was hit hardest, with some coastal areas, including Sussex, receiving less than 0.2mm of rain. The lack of moisture in the soil contributed to soaring temperatures, reaching the high 30s Celsius in some regions. ## Forecast Uncertainty Leaves Southern England Parched Despite predictions of unsettled weather, southern England may see only sporadic showers for the rest of August. Earlier forecasts suggested rain could reach the south-east within 10 days, but these hopes faded as precipitation remained confined to north-western Britain. With forecast models showing high uncertainty, the dry conditions could persist, raising concerns about prolonged drought. ## Atlantic Disturbance Could Bring Heavy Rain to the Caribbean A disturbance in the Atlantic, about 1,000 miles east of the Lesser Antilles, has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression within 48 hours. If it strengthens, it would become the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, named Dolly. Even if it does not fully form, the system could bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall to the Lesser Antilles by Friday night. The strong El Niño this year is expected to suppress overall hurricane activity in the Atlantic. ## Monsoon Devastation Continues in India Meanwhile, India’s monsoon has caused severe flooding in eastern regions, particularly Assam, where at least 100 people have died as of 10 August. Over 700,000 people have been displaced in the past month, including 300,000 near the Brahmaputra River. Lightning strikes have also claimed lives, with 14 fatalities reported on 4 August, including 10 farm workers in Giridih who lacked shelter during storms.
