Londoners have been rejoicing after the first rain fell in the capital in weeks.
London has been baking in its fourth heatwave of the summer in recent days and has been experiencing its longest dry spell in years.
The capital is among areas of England suffering from “flash drought” as a result of very low rainfall and high temperatures and is also under a hosepipe ban from Thames Water.
With the exception of a small flurry of showers on July 5, the capital hasn’t seen a proper downpour in over a month, stretching back to June 27.
So when a small amount of rain fell on Thursday evening in parts of the capital, people took to social media to celebrate, albeit with a touch of irony over how little fell.
After two long months…
— Dr Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) July 30, 2026
It’s raining in Croydon 🙏❤️#UKDrought #Drought pic.twitter.com/NKoMiw6G09
Put it in your diary! July 30th 2026. Rain in London!! pic.twitter.com/XtKjYdZrOU
— Edward Marsh 🔸 (@EdwardMarshUK) July 30, 2026
I just counted at least 6 drops of rain in my corner of S London pic.twitter.com/cQqyOueydJ
— Gavin Hales (@gmhales) July 30, 2026
never thought id see the day. rain, in london!
— thornhead (@wormsofbarlo) July 30, 2026
According to the Met Office’s rain tracker map, the first rain fall began over the southwest of the capital at around 5.30pm before beginning to drift over the south of the capital.
However most saw very small amounts, with the majority seeing it falling at a rate of less than 0.5mm falling per hour.
Although there were showers in some areas, including Croydon and Richmond.
Forecasters have said that temperatures will be cooler and closer to average for this time of year for the coming days, but there is little chance of the rain the capital needs to ease the drought in the coming weeks.
Much needed sustained rainfall to reverse Britain's worst drought in decades is not set to arrive until the autumn, forecasters have said.
According to the BBC weather forecast, temperatures will stay in the mid-twenties in London this weekend are not expected to rise above 27C next week.
There is some chance of rain next week, including thundery showers on Tuesday. But overall the chances of rain remain low through the week.
Temperatures are expected to climb again next weekend with highs of 29C predicted for the following week, when again there is a low chance of showers.
According to long-range forecasts, sufficient rainfall that could bring an end to drought conditions in the UK is not expected until October.
Met Office chief meteorologist Will Lang told GB News: “While there is always the potential for periods of rain during the remainder of the summer, current forecasts do not favour the widespread, sustained rainfall that would be needed to make a significant difference to rainfall deficits that have built up over recent months.
“As we move through August, there remains a tendency towards drier than average conditions, particularly in southern and eastern areas.
“Meaningful recovery from prolonged dry conditions often relies on more frequent and widespread rainfall during the autumn months, when weather patterns typically become more changeable.”
Londoners who did not get any rain on Thursday evening spoke of their disappointment.
It all looked so promising.... Then nothing! 🤣🤣🤦 So much hope for rain, but alas, just scary clouds. @bbcweather @NewsShopper #London #weather #mothernature #norain pic.twitter.com/TMZ0Up4Pen
— Michael Snasdell (@MichaelSnasdell) July 30, 2026
While others have spoken of their concern at the drought conditions.
It is no surprise the @EnvAgency has declared drought across much of England, let's hope the rain arrives soon.
— Amanda Boardman (@Mandsby) July 29, 2026
Richmond Park desperately needs rain.#RichmondPark #Drought #UKWeather #ClimateChange #London #Environment #weather #news #climate
• Friends of Richmond Park and pic.twitter.com/s1tb3Z8st9
