We don’t need to tell you what a hot summer we’ve had so far, but off the back of the driest July on record, we’re in for yet another heatwave here in Greater Manchester – that is, at least three days in a row at 25°C or above.
The Met Office weather forecast at a glance for next week shows Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August potentially reaching 28°C, 30°C and 25°C respectively, hitting the criteria for an official heatwave here in Greater Manchester. Tuesday and Wednesday are set to drench us in full sun, where Thursday will bring some slight relief with a small drop in temperature and some cloud cover, but it’ll still be warm.
With only a maximum 10% chance of rain in the next week, too, we’re also looking at the danger of drought, as has already been declared in other areas of the UK. Although there’s no way of stopping this, we should all be mindful of our water usage, and trying to stay as cool as possible throughout.
UK long range weather forecast for Tuesday 11 – Thursday 20 August
“A settled start, with mainly dry conditions on Tuesday, although with scattered showers across western areas. Then through the week, more changeable conditions are likely across northern parts, with some spells of rain or showers and stronger winds, interspersed by drier periods. Whilst southern areas will generally see more settled, drier conditions where it will become very warm or hot.
“Further into August, lower pressure may start to track further south or east. This means there is a greater chance of frontal systems or thundery interludes to affect southern and eastern areas in comparison to recent weeks, though rainfall amounts could be quite variable with some areas still seeing relatively little. Temperatures look to remain above average, especially in the south, where perhaps very warm or hot.”
How do the heatwaves affect water supply?
High temperatures lead to many water companies continuing to experience significant demands for water. Combined with the lower than average rainfall, this results in a greater than normal reduction in reservoir and groundwater storage and river flows for several water companies.
The prolonged dry conditions are causing significant impacts and pressures across the agriculture sector. Farmers are harvesting crops early in the season, with some having completed harvest already. The UK salad sector season has ended earlier than normal, so is now reliant on salad imports.
Livestock farmers have already begun using their winter forage reserves because the dry weather has impacted on grass growth.
