Heavy downpour seems like the perfect antidote to a looming UK-wide drought following the summer heatwave – but experts are warning against the ‘wrong’ type of rain.
The Met Office has issued warnings of flash floods and thunderstorms after weeks of record-breaking heat.
Temporary wet weather may be refreshing after the intense sun however experts have said it is the ‘not the right kind of rain’ to restore Britain’s scorched pastures.
Here’s what you should know about the coming storms:
What is the ‘wrong’ kind of rain?
Meteorologist Clare Nasir said that today’s downpours are “not the right kind of rain” to rejuvenate grasslands across the UK.
She said the solution is not an “outburst” as the country is witnessing, but “continuous rain”.
Speaking to Sky News, Nasir added: “When we are looking at thunderstorms, it is the wrong kind of rain we need. What we are looking for is moderate rain.”
Is London still at risk of a hosepipe ban after wet weather?
Following the driest July on record, Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban from Wednesday August 24.
Several UK regions have declared a drought. But rainfall this week will not reverse the ban as the short, heavy bursts of rain will run off the dry soil, instead of rehydrating it.
The water firm’s ban will cover 15 million customers in London and the Thames Valley.
People found breaking the rules can face up to £1000 in fines for repeat offenders.
Washing cars, watering gardens and filling above-ground pools are among some warm-weather activities that are being disallowed.
What is the plastic cup trick?
Dr Robert Thompson from the University of Reading’s Meteorology department carried out an experiment to show the phenomena of water running off dry soil.
The UK scientist filmed himself flipping over a cup full of water on to the same ground in different weather conditions.
While wetter grass had a higher absorption rate, the dry ground after a heatwave left the cup full, footage showed.
The simple experiment demonstrated one of the causes of dangerous flash floods across the country.
