Barnet faces weeks without rain as drought and fire risks rise
Met Office forecasts below-normal rainfall for August after driest July on record in England and Wales
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Barnet is set to endure weeks without significant rainfall, as forecasters warn of prolonged dry conditions across London and the South East. The Met Office reported that July 2026 was the driest month on record for England and Wales, with no substantial rain expected in the near future.
Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna told the Press Association that while brief showers may occur, they will be rare and weak. He said rainfall totals for the second half of August are likely to remain below normal, with further hot spells possible.
Amber heat alert extended across Barnet until Wednesday morning
Forecast temperatures of 28 °C on Tuesday could mark London’s fifth heatwave of the summer
Supermarkets act on wildfire risks
Asda confirmed it has removed disposable barbecues from its shelves due to the increased risk of wildfires. Other major supermarkets have taken similar steps, following recent blazes such as the wildfire in Dunwich, Suffolk. Firefighters have been responding to heightened fire risks across the region.
The dry conditions follow two heatwaves in July, which contributed to over 2,800 excess deaths, according to the Met Office. Temperatures reached 33.5°C in Wisley, Surrey, on 28 July, marking the 21st day in 2026 when the UK recorded 32°C or higher.
Barnet faces September heatwaves and extended hosepipe ban
Thames Water confirms 15% drop in storage as UKHSA issues amber heat alert until 5 August
What happens next
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in north-east Scotland on 14 August, but no similar alerts are in place for London. Petagna said a cold front will bring cooler temperatures midweek, though winds shifting direction may not bring rain to the South East.
Barnet Council has not issued specific water restrictions, but residents are advised to follow general drought guidance. The Environment Agency has not declared an official drought, though conditions remain under review. Updates will be published on the Met Office and council websites.
Questions this report answers
+How long will the dry weather last in Barnet?
The Met Office forecasts below-normal rainfall for the second half of August, with no significant showers expected. Marco Petagna said brief showers may occur but will be rare and weak, offering little relief from drought conditions.
+Why have supermarkets stopped selling disposable barbecues?
Asda and other supermarkets removed disposable barbecues due to heightened wildfire risks. The Met Office reported extreme dry conditions, and recent blazes, such as the Dunwich wildfire, have increased concerns about fire safety.
+What are the risks of the current weather conditions?
The Met Office linked over 2,800 excess deaths to heatwaves in May and June. Prolonged drought increases wildfire risks, and disposable barbecues have been withdrawn to reduce ignition sources in dry areas.
+Will Barnet face water restrictions?
Barnet Council has not issued specific water restrictions, but residents should follow general drought guidance. The Environment Agency is monitoring conditions and may provide updates if the situation worsens.
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