Forecast period: 16 to 19 August 2026

For 16 to 19 August 2026, there are useful inspection opportunities in many parts of the UK, while inspection is more restricted in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland from the south-west to the Highlands, mainly because showers and poor light or damp conditions are squeezing the daytime opportunity.

Forage is the bigger concern. Wind is limiting how effectively bees can work exposed flowers across a lot of the UK. Recent dry weather is reducing nectar reward in England and Wales. Showers add another problem in Northern Ireland, central and north-east Scotland, and the Highlands, by interrupting the time bees can actually get out and forage.

Later in the period, north-east England, East Anglia, and the Midlands become less helpful for both inspection and forage later. Forage also improves in south-west and south-east England.

How can I tell whether colonies are under stores pressure?

Hefting or weighing, looking at recent intake and judging the amount of usable stores tell you a great deal. If you are unsure of weight, ask another beekeeper or mentor to show you how to heft hives and judge weight.

Pressure can build quickly when poor forage lasts for several days, particularly later in summer when a busy colony may still be using stores heavily.

About Apiary Forecast

Apiary Forecast gives you local inspection, forage, stores and queen-mating guidance for your own saved apiaries. There’s a two-week free trial, and the current Founder Offer is £25 a year rather than £35; UK beekeeping associations can also contact us for a member discount code.