Barnet faces September heatwave risk and drought despite rain forecast
Met Office warns of late-season hot spells as south-east remains a month behind on rainfall
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Trust 74: includes named expert and Met Office forecast, cites figures and dates, but only one source.
Higher is stronger
Critic 85: explains relevance, provides specific data, separates fact from comment, and outlines upcoming rain.
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Residents in Barnet could face another heatwave in September, the Met Office has said, as the borough continues to endure an unusually hot and dry summer. The long-range forecast for 30 August to 13 September indicates a chance of late-season hot spells, particularly in southern England, including London.
This year has already seen five heatwaves in the capital, with temperatures reaching 35°C or higher in May, June and July. The most recent heatwave peaked on Thursday, when Kew Gardens recorded 38.1°C, the highest temperature of 2026 so far.
Barnet faces thunderstorms and seven days of rain after record 38.1°C heat
Forecasters predict showers from 18 August, with temperatures dropping to 13°C by midweek
Rain forecast but drought persists
A band of rain is expected to move south from Northern Ireland and Scotland on Monday, reaching parts of England and Wales. The Met Office said this will bring cooler temperatures closer to the seasonal average, along with a risk of heavy downpours and potential flooding.
However, experts have warned that the rain will not be enough to end the drought. Liz Stephens, professor in climate risks and resilience at the University of Reading, said the south-east remains a month’s worth of rain below normal levels, despite heavy rainfall earlier in the year.
Barnet faces drought as London heat alert extended to Friday
Environment Agency declares two-thirds of England in drought, with rivers and reservoirs at critical lows
Here in the South East, we’re still a month’s worth of rain below what we would normally expect by this point in the year. While any rain which falls this week may help reduce the immediate wildfire risk, it will take many weeks of sustained rainfall for vegetation to recover and our rivers and reservoirs to return to normal.
Liz Stephens, professor in climate risks and resilience, University of Reading
Stephens added that the dry ground may struggle to absorb heavy rain, increasing the risk of surface water flooding. Hosepipe bans, already in place for some water companies, are likely to remain for weeks, even if rainfall provides temporary relief from wildfire risks.
What happens next
Barnet Council has not announced any additional measures in response to the forecast. Residents are advised to check for updates from the Met Office and local water suppliers regarding drought restrictions. The Environment Agency has said it will continue to monitor river and reservoir levels across the south-east.
Questions this report answers
+Will the rain on Monday end the drought in Barnet?
No. The University of Reading said the south-east is a month behind on rainfall and needs weeks of sustained rain to replenish rivers and reservoirs. Monday’s rain may reduce wildfire risks but will not end drought conditions or hosepipe bans.
+How hot could it get in Barnet in September?
The Met Office has warned of a chance of late-season heatwaves between 30 August and 13 September, particularly in southern England. Temperatures could rise significantly, though exact figures are not yet forecast.
+Why is there a risk of flooding if Barnet is in a drought?
Dry, hardened ground struggles to absorb heavy rain quickly, increasing the risk of surface water flooding. The University of Reading said this can happen even during drought conditions, as seen in other parts of the UK this week.
+How long will hosepipe bans last in Barnet?
It is unclear, but experts expect them to remain in place for weeks. The University of Reading said sustained rainfall is needed to restore rivers and reservoirs, which will take time even if rain falls this week.
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