Met Office warns of 'heavy rain' for Wales with bleak start to July

The Met Office forecast predicts "heavy rain" and "breezy" spells for parts of Wales just a week after the country experienced the hottest day of the year. Temperatures reached 27°C on Tuesday, June 25, before dropping some 10°C days later as an unsettled forecast returned.

But despite June being drier than average, with the UK recording 29% less rainfall than the long-term meteorological average, July already looks set to be off to a wet start with the majority of the country expected to see showers on Wednesday, July 3. Some parts could even see "heavy downpours" with up to 4mm of rain expected per hour in parts.

However, despite the wet weather it still looks to be fairly warm with highs of 19°C on Wednesday and a humidity of between 70 and 80% in Cardiff. In June, Wales received 48% lower than average rainfall but temperatures were also slightly lower than expected for this time of year.

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A Met Office spokesperson said: “Temperatures in the first two weeks of June were around 2°C below average. This was due to northerly winds bringing cold Arctic air across the UK in what was a cool start to meteorological summer.

“The second half of the month saw high pressure as the jet stream moved north, bringing warmth to many, especially in the south. Some areas of southeast England exceeded 28°C for several days.” However, the warm weather was short-lived, and temperatures returned to around or below average for the last few days of the month.

The Met Office forecast for Wales

Wednesday, July 3

"An unsettled day with showers and longer spells of rain. Often breezy particularly around coasts and amongst any heavier downpours. Maximum temperature 19 °C."

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

"A changeable week with sunny spells on Thursday. Longer spells of rain on Friday and brighter on Saturday with sunny spells and showers. Breezy throughout. Temperatures a little below average."