London weather: Hopes of July sunshine dashed as forecasters predict cloudy skies and rain

Londoners hoping to bask in July sunshine are set to be disappointed, with forecasters predicting a cloudy and damp week.

Over the next five days, the capital will see overcast skies, sporadic rainfall and temperatures struggling to hit the 22C mark. The mercury will drop as low as 13C some evenings.

Monday’s drizzle is set to clear in the evening but a weather front from the West will bring more showers on Tuesday afternoon.

It is a stark contrast to the high temperatures and sunny days experienced earlier in the month, which normally sees an average temperature of 19C.

Oli Claydon, from the Met Office, said on Monday: “It has been a little bit cool today but you might be seeing 24C tomorrow. It will be drier and brighter in the morning.

“However there is a weather front moving in from the west bringing some more rain with it tomorrow.

“It will reach London towards the late morning and lunchtime. It will clear out to the East in the evening.”

He added that a mixture of “showers and sun” is in store for the rest of the week and the weekend.

City dwellers hoping to escape London will find similar weather in the rest of the UK. Showers are forecast across the country, although it will be drier in the south on Thursday and Friday.

The changeable weather is expected to continue into the beginning of August, with possible unseasonably cool temperatures. However, “there is hope yet” of sunny, summer days in August, added Mr Claydon.