The UK is set to experience 48 hours of rain as the hot July weather gives way to wet conditions, according to the Met Office. A large band of rain will sweep in from the south west early on August 3 and move across the nation over the following two days.
The agency said hot weather will begin to ease on Friday, with temperatures closer to average across most of the UK and slightly below average for northern Scotland. Saturday will bring a chilly start with dry and sunny spells mixed with possible showers.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said the forecast shows potential for more rain than much of the UK has experienced in recent weeks, though amounts for many would be fairly modest and not balance the summer shortfall. He added that some southern areas might see little or no rainfall.
Wet conditions will become more widespread on Sunday as a large band of rain arrives from the south coast. By early Monday, around 47 counties and regions could be affected, including Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, Cheshire and large parts of Wales.
The rain will push north through Monday and Tuesday, with Scotland expected to bear the brunt on August 4 and 5. Heavier downpours are possible in western and mountainous regions, with several centimetres falling over the 48-hour period. Motorists may face spray, poor visibility and waterlogged roads.
The Met Office forecast for Sunday to Tuesday said most areas would be dry and bright with showers mainly in the far north on Sunday, while rain may affect northern areas on Monday and Tuesday, with southern areas staying warmer with sunny spells.
