Local weather forecasters IW Met Service say there appears to be no sign of significant rainfall on the way for the Isle of Wight over the next couple of weeks, meaning the drought-like conditions are set to continue into the school summer holidays.
As we enter a new week with yet more sunny skies, it is hard to ignore the varying shades of brown being seen across the Island as grass, hedgerows and fields die off after weeks and weeks of almost zero rainfall.
The latest forecast produced shows hot and dry weather well into next week as the kids break up from school, although there is a slight risk of the odd shower here and there.
Whilst many rejoice at the news of dry conditions, the news will come as another blow for the agricultural industry with farmers expected to see a yield drop of 25% this season. As previously reported by Island Echo, farmers are now taking to emergency water irrigation solutions to keep the fields alive.
The next few days will be slightly cooler but the temperature will start to rise back into the high 20s as we head towards the end of the week.
The following advice has been issued to help stop fires starting:
• Extinguish cigarettes properly and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground – take your litter home
• Never throw cigarette ends out of vehicle windows
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland – sunlight shining through glass can start fires (take them home to recycle)
• Only use barbecues in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it to the fire and rescue service immediately on 999
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be put out with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible
