Rain and possible storms for Poole today as the heatwave eases
20 August 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
After weeks of hot, dry weather, today brings a notable change: the Met Office is forecasting light rain for Poole on Thursday, 20 August, with a 65 per cent chance of precipitation through the day and the possibility of a storm.
The high will reach 21°C — noticeably cooler than recent days — while the overnight low drops to 14°C. The UV index sits at 5, so some caution is still warranted if you're spending time outdoors between showers.
The shift in conditions is the same weather pattern that led BCP Council to cancel this week's firework displays, even though rain is forecast: officials noted that wildfire risk remains significantly elevated despite the incoming rain, meaning the landscape is still dry and vulnerable.
For those heading out today, a light waterproof is advisable. If a storm does develop, the Met Office recommends staying away from exposed coastal areas and seeking shelter indoors. Residents can track conditions in real time via the Met Office forecast for Poole.