Heavy Rain Forecast for UK Won't Reverse England's Drought, Met Office Warns

The Met Office forecasts heavy rain across much of the UK from 18 August 2026 but warns it will not reverse drought gripping over 71% of England. Intense showers on dry, compacted soil will cause surface water flooding rather than recharge depleted reservoirs and aquifers. Five key reservoirs are "exceptionally low," with recovery requiring sustained, moderate rainfall over weeks.