In summers gone by, this might not be worthy of a story – but in 2026, the fact a very (very!) light rain shower has arrived in Peterborough, it most definitely is.

For the first time in seemingly forever, water fell from the sky and hit Peterborough streets.

Now, the intensity of the rain that landed was not enough to send Peterborough out of drought conditions, lift the hosepipe ban – or even provide any relief to gardeners and farmers in our region.

But after a record breaking summer in terms of heat, sunshine and lack of rain, it may have provided a glimmer of hope.

Rain clouds overhead in Peterborough on the morning of Wednesday, August 5

placeholder image — Rain clouds overhead in Peterborough on the morning of Wednesday, August 5

Official Met Office stats released yesterday from their weather station in Wittering – the nearest to Peterborough – show just how remarkable the lack of rain has been in the city.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said the average July rainfall for Wittering is 55.51mm. The monthly total for July 2026 was 0.2mm, which was a new monthly record low total for July.

The last time more than a trace of precipitation was recorded at Wittering was 0.2mm on 25/07/2026.

The highest temperature recorded at Wittering this year was 36.7C on 26/06/2026. This was a new record high for June but not of all time, which is 39.9C on 19/07/2022.

The highest temperature at Wittering in July 2026 was 34.3C on 09/07/2026.

The average July mean air temperature for Wittering (1991-2020) is 17.22C. The mean air temperature for July 2026 was 20.3C.

The Met Office forecast for the next few days, however, is for no more rain – so perhaps not quite time to get your brolly out...