Between 7 and 21 August, the Met Office is forecasting unsettled conditions to continue. There could be a “gradual settling down” of conditions near the middle of the month with drier weather and more sun than previous weeks. However, the Met Office said “confidence is limited and unsettled spells are still possible”. Why is it raining so much in the UK?

The north and west of the UK are likely to be wettest, with western and southern coasts likely experiencing fresh to strong winds. Temperatures are expected to be around normal. It will be a mostly cloudy day in York on Thursday with cloud forecast from sunrise to sunset. There will be some sunny intervals from 11am until 1pm.The best of the sunny spells are expected across western Scotland. Moderate north-easterly winds are expected for most places, which may be locally brisk. Overnight will be largely dry. Highs will climb to 8°C for Norwich, 8°C for London and 8°C for Belfast.

Still a few showers over the north and east coast, but most places dry with clear spells and light winds. A frost developing inland and perhaps the odd fog patch. Minimum temperature 0 °C. Saturday: On Tuesday evening and night a band of rain is expected to move in from the Atlantic which could turn a bit wintry on hills as temperatures fall close to freezing.For those with any outdoor plans this weekend, Saturday will be the best day. A dry and fine day is forecast for most of Northern Ireland with sunny skies and light winds but the chance of the odd patch of cloud early in the morning and later in the evening. Chilly through this period with sunny spells and isolated showers. Some frost and fog overnight. Perhaps becoming milder, wet and windy later Sunday. Forecasters have warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday before some long range predictions of a 26C 'Iberian plume.' Ireland’s meteorological agency said: “Fine and frosty to begin for many Saturday with icy patches and some mist and fog in places. A little less cold in the west and south with the odd light shower. Sunny spells will develop in many areas, but it will turn cloudier from the Atlantic in the afternoon with rain developing near west and southwest coasts towards evening. Chilly, with afternoon highs of 5C to 8C generally, but again, remaining milder in the southwest. Light variable winds will become light or moderate southeasterly as the day goes on.

The Met Office’s latest State of the UK Climate report, which was published in 2022, indicated the UK has become wetter in recent decades. There will be moderate to brisk north-easterly winds and it will be breezier for North Sea coastal areas. Overnight will be mainly dry but cloudy with a threat of some light showers. Daytime highs will climb to 9°C for Cardiff, 7°C Birmingham and 8°C Aberdeen. Showers and spells of rain forecast for Wednesday The coming weekend is set to bring a mix of sunny spells, showers and a touch of frost on the weather front.

Clear spells and scattered showers will continue with the driest conditions towards the east during Wednesday night. Lowest temperatures of three to 5 degrees in a light to moderate southwesterly wind, freshening along western and southern coasts. Thursday Another day of sunshine and scattered blustery showers, with more persistent rain moving across the country through the afternoon and evening followed by scattered showers. Feeling cool with highest temperatures of seven to 10 degrees, in a moderate to fresh and gusty southwesterly wind.