UK: Dry weather hinders fire-fighting efforts near Manchester

The recent spell of dry weather will continue across the United Kingdom, leading to difficult fire-fighting conditions as wildfires near Manchester.

Having been nearly two weeks since measurable rain has fallen in Manchester, dry and hot conditions are making it difficult to gain control of wildfires. BBC News reported that a major incident was declared over the weekend when two large fires merged close to major communication masts.

Since 21, June, there has been no measurable rain in Manchester. The temperatures have averaged 2.2 C (3.5 F) degrees above normal. The hottest day was Thursday when temperatures soared to 30 C (86 F).

In Herefordshire, about 215 km (135 miles) south of Manchester, fish have been rescued from portions of the River Teme that have dried up in the relentless heat.

Due to the greatly increased demand for water, Northern Ireland has issued a ban on garden sprinklers and hoses. This is the first ban of its kind in over 20 years.

High pressure over Britain will remain in place through the beginning of the week providing several more dry and hot days. The highest threat for rain will be across South West England where the odd shower is possible.

On Monday, a moderate easterly breeze could cause wildfires to spread. Communities on the western side of fires could have unhealthy air quality due to smoke and ash.

As the high pressure overhead weakens during the second half of the week, isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin developing. The highest chance for thunderstorms will be during the afternoon hours each day.

While storms will bring needed rainfall to some areas, widespread relief from the dry weather it not expected. Lightning from thunderstorms will threaten to ignite new fires.

AccuWeather's long-range team expects hot and dry spell to be a regular occurrence through the rest of the summer.

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